EnglishViews: 222 Author: Robert Publish Time: 2025-04-21 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Introduction to Aluminum Composite Panels
● The Structure of ACPs: What Makes Them Flammable?
>> ACP Anatomy
● Fire Incidents Involving ACPs: Lessons from the Past
● Types of ACP Cores and Their Fire Performance
>> 1. Fire Retardant vs. Non-Fire Retardant ACP Sheets
>> 2. Viva FR Grade ACP Testing | 2 Hour Fire Resistance Test
● Practical Recommendations for Specifiers and Owners
>> 1. What makes aluminum composite panels flammable?
>> 2. Are all aluminum composite panels flammable?
>> 3. How can I tell if my building's ACP cladding is flammable?
>> 4. What are the consequences of using flammable ACPs in construction?
>> 5. Are there regulations governing the use of aluminum composite panels for fire safety?
Aluminum composite panels (ACPs) have become a staple in modern architecture, prized for their lightweight structure, durability, and design flexibility. However, a critical question arises for architects, builders, and property owners: Is aluminum composite panel flammable? This comprehensive guide explores the fire performance of ACPs, the science behind their combustibility, regulatory standards, and how to choose safe materials for your next project.
Aluminum composite panels are engineered products consisting of two thin aluminum sheets bonded to a core material. They are used extensively for building facades, signage, interior partitions, and more due to their versatility, aesthetic appeal, and ease of installation. However, their safety—especially in the context of fire—depends heavily on the materials used in their core.
- Aluminum Skins: Typically 0.2–0.5 mm thick, providing rigidity and weather resistance.
- Core Material: The core is the critical factor in determining flammability. It can be:
- Polyethylene (PE): Highly flammable plastic.
- Fire-Retardant (FR) Core: Contains mineral fillers to reduce combustibility.
- Mineral Core (A2/A1): Nearly non-combustible, often with very low or zero polymer content.
High-profile fires, such as those at London's Grenfell Tower and Melbourne's Lacrosse Building, have tragically demonstrated the dangers of using flammable ACPs. In both cases, the rapid vertical spread of fire was attributed to the use of panels with highly combustible polyethylene cores. These incidents led to regulatory changes and a global reassessment of cladding safety.
The core material in ACPs is the single most important factor determining their fire behavior. Here's a breakdown:
| Core Type | Polymer Content | Fire Risk | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE (Polyethylene) | 30–100% | Highly flammable | Signage, low-rise, restricted |
| FR (Fire Retardant) | 7–30% | Moderate | High-rise, commercial, safer |
| A2 (Mineral Core) | <1–7% | Low | High-rise, public, safest |
| A1/NC (Non-Combustible/Aluminum Honeycomb) | Trace or none | Minimal | Critical safety applications |
In this test, standard PE core ACP panels are exposed to various ignition sources. Results show that while the aluminum skins resist ignition, the PE core melts and burns when exposed to high heat, producing toxic smoke and flaming droplets.
> This side-by-side comparison demonstrates that fire-retardant (FR) and A2 grade panels resist ignition and limit smoke and flame spread, while standard PE core panels burn rapidly and emit thick, toxic smoke.
> FR and A2+ panels withstand direct flame for extended periods, with minimal flame spread and smoke, highlighting the importance of choosing the right grade for safety-critical applications.
- Avoid PE Core ACPs for any high-rise, public, or critical infrastructure projects.
- Specify FR or A2/A1 Grade Panels with documented fire performance certifications.
- Verify Installation Practices to ensure no combustible materials are used behind the ACP.
- Regularly Inspect Existing Cladding and replace non-compliant panels as needed.
- Stay Updated on Local Codes as regulations are evolving rapidly in response to fire incidents.
The flammability of aluminum composite panels is not determined by the aluminum itself, but by the material used in the core. Standard PE core ACPs are highly flammable and have been responsible for several deadly building fires worldwide. In contrast, fire-retardant and mineral core panels (A2/A1) offer significantly improved fire safety and are increasingly mandated by building codes and regulations.
When specifying or purchasing ACPs, always demand clear documentation of the core composition and fire performance certification. Proper selection and installation of non-combustible or fire-retardant ACPs are essential for safeguarding lives, property, and ensuring compliance with modern fire safety standards.
Aluminum composite panels become flammable primarily due to their core material. If the core is made of polyethylene (PE) or other plastics, it is highly combustible and can ignite easily, contributing to rapid fire spread. The thin aluminum skins conduct heat quickly to the core, accelerating ignition.
No, not all ACPs are equally flammable. Panels with a high percentage of mineral core (A2 or A1 grade) are designed to be non-combustible or have very limited combustibility. In contrast, panels with a PE core are highly flammable and pose significant fire risks.
You can check the core color (black/dark grey usually indicates PE), request product documentation, or have a sample tested by a certified laboratory. Consulting with a fire safety expert or building inspector is also recommended for accurate identification.
Using flammable ACPs, especially with a PE core, can lead to catastrophic fire spread, endangering lives and property. It can also result in non-compliance with building codes, legal liabilities, and costly remediation or replacement.
Yes, many countries have strict regulations limiting or banning the use of PE core ACPs in high-rise and public buildings. Panels must meet specific fire performance standards (such as EN 13501-1, NFPA 285, or AS 5113) to be compliant for use in critical applications.
[1] https://www.crmbrokers.com.au/news/fire-risks-and-aluminium-composite-panel-acp/
[2] https://stacbond.com/en/stacbond-composite-panels/
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dxe0EpIawc
[4] https://alucopanel.net/important-reminder-for-acp-buyers-ensuring-fire-resistant-quality/
[5] https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/97579/ACP-fact-sheet-Dec-2022.pdf
[6] https://www.aph.gov.au/DocumentStore.ashx?id=ab740a5c-6118-4f0f-9236-57f82821e421
[7] https://www.aludong.com/fire-retardant-b1a2a1-aluminum-composite-panel-product/
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bUmOQsImpk
[9] https://alumtech.ca/is-the-acm-panel-flammable/
[10] https://mckenzieross.com.au/aluminium-composite-panel-key-risk-factors/
[11] https://ieomsociety.org/proceedings/2022rome/388.pdf
[12] https://vivaacp.com/products/aluminium-composite-panel
[13] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n58puLRPMh4
[14] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/protecting-high-rise-buildings-why-fire-rated-aluminum-afzal-hamza
[15] https://www.building.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/building-code-compliance/c-protection-from-fire/Guidance-for-aluminium-composite-panels-may2016.pdf
[16] https://www.decorativeimaging.com.au/news/which-types-of-aluminium-cladding-are-fire-safe/
[17] https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/consumers/statewide-cladding-audit/what-is-combustible-cladding/learn-more-about-acp-and-eps
[18] https://www.chubb.com/content/dam/chubb-sites/chubb-com/au-en/business/risk-engineering-resource-centre/documents/pdf/chubb-risk-bulletin--aluminium-composite-panels.pdf
[19] https://www.canaarch.ca/acm-panels-and-fire-safety-what-you-need-to-know/
[20] https://principia.es/en/fire-hazard-of-aluminum-composite-panels-acps/
[21] https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/trades-and-businesses/construction-and-trade-essentials/building-products/aluminium-composite-panel-ban
[22] https://www.alanod.co.uk/aluminium-cladding-and-fire-safety-know-your-fire-rating/
[23] https://www.shutterstock.com/search/flammable-cladding
[24] https://stock.adobe.com/images/geometry-aluminium-composite-material-acm-office-building-exteriors-flammable-cladding/161807999
[25] https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photo-aluminium-composite-material-acm-office-building-x-exteriors-flammable-cladding-image96001388
[26] https://www.pinterest.com/pin/aluminum-composite-panel-system-pictures--329396160228496308/
[27] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2oZhmtIfA4
[28] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeSthKNkMqbhFjbswcJ8ilA
[29] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT1z7yLJqA4
[30] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-frequently-asked-questions-aluminum-composite-panels-afzal-hamza
[31] https://vivaacp.com/knowledge-center/faq
[32] https://www.networkarchitectural.com.au/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Whitepaper-The-Truth-Safety-of-World-Class-Aluminium-Composite-Panels.pdf
[33] https://kbi.com.au/blog/combustible-cladding-the-impact-of-aluminium-composite-panels/
[34] https://vivaacp.com/highlighting-some-of-the-most-faqs-about-acp-sheet
[35] https://www.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/1770718/ACT-Cladding-Program-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf
