Fire-safe Polymers

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Regulations in fire-safe materials are changing rapidly, creating tension in the industry: most fire-resistant materials contain toxic components. Our researchers are developing a new generation of fireproof materials that are equally safe and flame-retardant that can be used in carpeting, building materials, clothing and moreā€”and exploring new ways to contain and protect property from wildfires.

Institutes, centers and labs related to Fire-safe Polymers

Faculty who conduct research in Fire-safe Polymers

Hatsuo Ishida

Professor, Macromolecular Science and Engineering
Develops advanced benzoxazine resins, thermosetting resins based on natural renewable materials and green flame retarding systems

Ya-Ting Liao

Associate Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Creates computational models of combustion, fire and fire behavior and develops fire-resistant structures

Computational Fire Dynamics Lab

David Schiraldi

Professor Emeritus, Macromolecular Science and Engineering
Develops bio-based, flame-retarded plastics, polymer aerogels and packaging materials; and studies properties of polyesters

Fumi Takahashi

Professor Emeritus, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Develops fire safety technologies and investigates combustion phenomena for practical applications

Jim Tien

Professor Emeritus, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Researches the effect of gravity on combustion and flammability of solid materials with applications in space exploration

Gary Wnek

Department Chair, Macromolecular Science and Engineering
Professor, Macromolecular Science and Engineering
Develops advanced polymers for packaging, biomaterial applications and more.