Why do composite materials present safety concerns in fire conditions?

Composite materials present safety concerns in fire conditions primarily because the glues and plastics used in their construction can fail under high temperatures. When exposed to fire, the matrix materials, which often include resins and adhesives, may lose their structural integrity, leading to delamination or structural collapse. This can produce hazardous fumes, weaken overall stability, and pose risks to safety personnel managing incidents involving these materials.

In addition to the failure of the adhesives and resins, there are other factors affecting safety with composites in fire scenarios, such as their heat retention and ignition properties. However, the critical aspect of concern is the potential for the composite's bonding agents to weaken or break down, which can significantly affect the behavior of the material in fire conditions and heighten the risks involved in firefighting and rescue operations.