The first of these is a nano-functionalised nonwoven, which has been created on TFP’s commercial nanocoating line in Schenectady NY. The incorporation of nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes or nanofibers into or onto a nonwoven can provide benefits including enhancement of surface conductivity, EMI shielding, thermal management and structural properties.
TFP will also be exhibiting their Tecnofire nonwovens which provide composites with built in fire protection. Fabricated from high temperature resistant fibres, these resin-infusible materials are incorporated at the surface of a composite, imparting fire protection where it is needed.
Activated by high temperatures, Tecnofire expands and protects the underlying structure from fire. The advantage to these nonwovens is an improvement in the fire smoke toxicity (FST) of the composite, without the structural compromises or time consuming application associated with alternative technologies. A new development in this range is a Tecnofire grade which can be activated on demand, without heat. The intumescent mat has been designed for use in a remotely activated fire protection system and, due to the presence of the conductive fibres, has the added benefit of acting as an EMI shield.
