Abstract
Polymer-fiber-reinforced composites are widely used in applications requiring fire safety performance, including aerospace, mass transit, marine/offshore structures, and building materials. Composites have some unique fire hazards that must be addressed through careful attention to resin and fiber choice and considerations about use of flame retardants, fire protection barriers, and maintaining the balance between mechanical and fire performance properties. This chapter covers all of these issues and also elaborates on the effects of natural (renewable fibers) and their unique issues on flammability, as well as thermoplastic composite fire performance.