Fireproof protection integrating fabrication system for composite structures

Abstract

A composite structure having a substrate is protectively covered during fabrication by a barrier layer, such as an intumescent mat or felt, into which a fire resisting agent such as phenolic resin or water, or oil based intumescent coating is infused in-situ before attachment to the substrate and completion of composite structure fabrication. The barrier layer is infused in-situ with the phenolic resin before attachment by adhesive bonding to the substrate or infusion is performed during formation of the underlying substrate layer so as to achieve attachment without adhesive.

1. In a process for protective fabrication of a composite structure to be exposed to seawater environments, the improvement residing in a sequence of steps including: a) forming a barrier; b) introducing a fire resisting agent into the barrier after said forming thereof: c) forming a substrate; and d) attaching the barrier to the substrate in underlying relation thereto before completing the fabrication of the composite structure; wherein said introducing of the fire resisting agent comprises: infusion into the barrier. 
     
     
       2. In a process for protective fabrication of a composite structure to be exposed to seawater environments, the improvement residing in a sequence of steps including: a) forming a barrier, b) introducing a fire resisting agent into the barrier after said forming thereof: c) forming a substrate; and d) attaching the barrier to the substrate in underlying relation thereto before completing the fabrication of the composite structure; wherein said attaching of the barrier to the substrate is performed by providing an adhesive between the barrier and the substrate. 
     
     
       3. In a process for protective fabrication of a composite structure to be exposed to seawater environments, the improvement residing in a sequence of steps including: a) forming a barrier; b) introducing a fire resisting agent into the barrier after said forming thereof: c) forming a substrate; and d) attaching the barrier to the substrate in underlying relation thereto before completing the fabrication of the composite structure; wherein said introducing of the fire resisting agent is performed by infusion thereof into the barrier during said forming of the substrate to effect said attaching of the barrier to the substrate without using an adhesive.