State‐of‐the‐Art Review of Using Composites in Fire Protection: Technology Review and Future Innovations

Abstract

Flame‐retardant materials are gaining significant importance worldwide because they are the most effective method for protecting life and property against fire. These flame retardants are added to flammable materials as additives, rendering them fireproof. Unfortunately, polymer materials, which are found in many household items, clothing, toys, insulation materials, and even in the automotive industry due to their lightweight and functional properties, are known for their high flammability. The short ignition times and higher heat release rates of polymers make them less fire resistant. This has necessitated the incorporation of flame retardants into polymer materials and the production of composites accordingly. This review critically examines the literature on the fire‐retardant behavior and mechanisms of composites used in fire protection and provides useful insights. The features of flame retardant materials of various chemical compositions are considered, including taking into account the particle size and synergy of materials. This is particularly important because current efforts in materials engineering are increasingly focused on developing multifunctional materials, in which fire protection must coexist with properties that are critical to energy and electronic systems, such as electrical conductivity, dielectric properties, and electrical insulation, all of which play an important role in electrical engineering. It also presents a review of the current state of the art, taking into account the development of modern computational methods and artificial intelligence. It also presents a review of the current state of the art.