FRP, or fiber-reinforced plastic, is a strong, durable composite used across construction, transportation, and manufacturing. It isn’t inherently fire-resistant on its own, but adding flame retardants to the polymer matrix can meaningfully improve its fire performance — flame retardants delay, suppress, or extinguish the spread of fire.
Common Flame Retardant Types
Aluminum trihydrate (ATH): a white powder often used as a filler in FRP profiles — non-toxic and relatively inexpensive.
Magnesium hydroxide (MDH): similar to ATH, but more effective at suppressing smoke production.
Boron compounds: highly effective at preventing fire spread, though pricier than ATH or MDH.
Which flame retardant makes sense depends on the application — construction-use FRP profiles may call for a more effective flame retardant than those used in manufacturing settings.
Other Ways to Improve Fire Resistance
Use a high-performance resin: some resins resist fire better than others — epoxy, for instance, outperforms polyester on this front.
Use a high-performance fiber: carbon fiber holds up to fire better than fiberglass.
Use a thicker resin layer: more resin means more protection against fire.
Add a fire-resistant coating: applying one to the profile’s surface adds an extra layer of protection.
Additional Design Tips
Design FRP profiles to minimize corners and sharp edges, since these tend to catch fire and spread flames more easily. Seal any gaps or openings with fire-resistant sealants, since fire can travel through them. Inspect profiles regularly for damage, since damaged FRP is more vulnerable to fire. And keep a fire safety plan in place for your facility, covering evacuation procedures and firefighting steps.
Conclusion
Following these guidelines can make FRP profiles meaningfully more fire resistant and cut the risk of fire damage — and combined with a solid facility fire safety plan, they go a long way toward keeping your site safe.