An additional benefit of composite metal hybrid (CMH) is superior fire performance due to the fire-facing plane of composite material clad on the back side with a metal layer. As a result, the metal and fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) combination synergizes in fastener performance, durability, and fire performance.
Primary Methods/Mechanisms of CMH:
- Environmentally-friendly fire retardant. CMH is bromine-free and halogen-free.
- Heat sink process: by having a metal backer that continuously extends throughout the exposed drainage plane (the fireside) – excessive heat can be transferred and distributed to alleviate high thermal loading.
- Reduces gasification: During exposure to a flame, a material can heat up and break down into flammable gases. CMH has a solid metal facer on one side of itself, and that facer reduces the gases emitted and retards the potential of fire.
- Provides an additional layer of thermally isolated, non-combustible, and redundant sub-framing for a fire event.