Modeling study of pyrolysis of charring composite materials in the fire scenario-A short literature review

Charring composite materials occupy a critical position in industrial applications or more broadly in our daily life. The disadvantage of these materials involves the disability in maintaining their mechanical characteristics in a fire scenario, and the study of their fire resistance is therefore a major issue. This paper aims to review the current modeling study of charring composites in the fire scenario. A complete background and a broad range of knowledge are presented related to the two types of charring composite materials(wood and carbon/epoxy composites) for pyrolysis modeling study. Their fundamental chemical and physical properties are evaluated, especially different components inside the materials, and their similarities and differences are discussed. The pyrolysis processes of these two materials in the fire scenario are described under chemical, heat, and mass transfer as well as physical structure change aspects. Different types of pyrolysis models are evaluated from simple to comprehensive pyrolysis models. Then the pyrolysis models developed in the fire community are described briefly, their benefits and inefficiencies are evaluated. The pyrolysis model validation process are discussed and different types of experiments are introduced for the model validation, as well as the input parameters for modeling study consisting of kinetic, thermophysical and boundary parameters. This review could be a good background for those targeting the experimental or modeling study of charring composites in the fire scenario.