Abstract
Recently, a novel corrosion-resistant construction material, Carbon Concrete Composite (C3), consisting of coated carbon fibers embedded in a concrete matrix, was introduced. However, thermal exposure during domestic fires may impact the release of organic pollutants and fibers during abrasive processing and/or demolition. Consequently, the objective of this study was to explore the emission characteristics of toxic compounds and harmful fibers during the dry-cutting after exposure to 25–600 °C (3 h, air). These parameters mimic the abrasive machining and dismantling after a domestic fire event. Mass spectrometry and chromatography served as analytical methodologies, and no organic pollutants for exposure temperatures ≥ 400 °C were found. In contrast, significant amounts of pyrolysis products from the organic fiber coating were released at lower temperatures. Studying the morphology of the released fibers by electron microscopy revealed a decrease in fiber diameter for temperatures exceeding 450 °C. At ≥550 °C, harmful fibers, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition, occurred (28–41 × 103 WHO fibers/m3 at 550–600 °C). This leads to the conclusion that there is a demand for restraining and protection measures, such as the use of wet cutting processes, suction devices, particle filtering masks and protective clothing, to handle thermally stressed C3.
Funder
Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Subject
Mechanics of Materials,Biomaterials,Civil and Structural Engineering,Ceramics and Composites