Experimental study on fire resistance of fiber-reinforced rubber seals

IF 7.1 2区材料科学 Q1 MATERIALS SCIENCE, COMPOSITES

Composite Structures Pub Date : 2025-09-24 DOI:10.1016/j.compstruct.2025.119698

Helin Xu , Congwen Wang , Yuxin Tian , Xucan Lian , Yong Huan , Shuaishuai Yang , Yinghao Yang , Chi Xiao

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced rubber fire-resistant seals exhibit excellent mechanical properties under both high and low temperature conditions, and are widely applied in aerospace, marine, and energy industries. Their primary function is to maintain structural integrity and ensure effective sealing, thereby preventing the spread of combustion and the penetration of high-temperature flames. However, quantitative evaluation methods for the fire-resistant performance of sealing structures remain limited. This research developed a novel thermo-mechanical loading test apparatus capable of simulating the compression of seals in aircraft door structures. Enabling the application of controlled thermal boundary conditions and real-time measurement of backfire-side temperatures. Through component-level high-temperature tests, the influence of the amount of compression on the fire-resistant performance of seals was investigated. Furthermore, the microstructural evolution of the seals under elevated temperatures was characterized using a combination of microscopic observation, thermogravimetric analysis, and mechanical testing. Finite element simulations were employed to assess the effects of microstructural porosity and material layer configuration on the thermal insulation performance of the seals. Based on these investigations, the fire resistance mechanism of fiber-reinforced rubber seals was elucidated. This work establishes an experimental framework for evaluating the fire-resistant performance of polymer-based composite materials, and the developed thermo-mechanical loading system enables quantitative assessment of the fire-resistance capability of sealing structures. The findings provide scientific guidance for enhancing the fire-resistant performance of fiber-reinforced rubber seals at the structural component level.

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纤维增强橡胶密封件耐火性试验研究

纤维增强橡胶防火密封件在高低温条件下均表现出优异的机械性能，广泛应用于航空航天、船舶、能源等行业。它们的主要功能是保持结构的完整性，确保有效的密封，从而防止燃烧的蔓延和高温火焰的渗透。然而，定量评价密封结构耐火性能的方法仍然有限。本研究开发了一种新型的热机械加载试验装置，能够模拟飞机舱门结构密封的压缩。实现了控制热边界条件的应用和反火侧温度的实时测量。通过构件级高温试验，研究了压缩量对密封件耐火性能的影响。此外，采用显微观察、热重分析和力学测试相结合的方法，对高温下密封件的微观结构演化进行了表征。采用有限元模拟的方法研究了微结构孔隙率和材料层构型对密封件隔热性能的影响。在此基础上，阐述了纤维增强橡胶密封条的防火机理。本工作建立了评估聚合物基复合材料耐火性能的实验框架，开发的热-机械加载系统能够定量评估密封结构的耐火能力。研究结果为提高纤维增强橡胶密封条在构件层面的耐火性能提供了科学指导。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Composite Structures 工程技术-材料科学：复合

CiteScore

12.00

自引率

12.70%

发文量

1246

审稿时长

78 days

期刊介绍： The past few decades have seen outstanding advances in the use of composite materials in structural applications. There can be little doubt that, within engineering circles, composites have revolutionised traditional design concepts and made possible an unparalleled range of new and exciting possibilities as viable materials for construction. Composite Structures, an International Journal, disseminates knowledge between users, manufacturers, designers and researchers involved in structures or structural components manufactured using composite materials. The journal publishes papers which contribute to knowledge in the use of composite materials in engineering structures. Papers deal with design, research and development studies, experimental investigations, theoretical analysis and fabrication techniques relevant to the application of composites in load-bearing components for assemblies, ranging from individual components such as plates and shells to complete composite structures.