Combustion products from advanced composite materials

Recent advances in armament and materials applications are beginning to outpace the development of adequate safety characterizations. To avoid unnecessary and restrictive regulations implemented to protect individuals from potential toxic consequences resulting from exposure to combustion products of advanced composite materials (ACM); this laboratory has begun an investigation of combustion characteristics. In this preliminary investigation we have assessed the production of particulate matter and the production of organic compounds contained in both the combustion vapor phase or associated with the particulate matter. The results of these investigations have revealed that a substantial fraction of the particulates appear to be in the respirable range and that a high number of organic compounds and potential toxicants are associated with particulate matter. These findings are the first to describe the production of potentially toxic atmospheres from the combustion of advanced composite materials and indicate the usefulness of further investigations to quantify the risk of exposure to humans. These and forthcoming data will be useful in determining proper protective equipment and precautions required to protect human health during exposures to products from the combustion of advanced composite materials.