Abstract: A method of fabricating an artifact (15) includes treating natural fibers (110) with a non-halogenated flame retardant agent (120), the fibers (110) also being treated with a smoke suppressant (120). At least one pre-preg is formed (170, 180) from the treated natural fibers and from a resin composition (160) including a smoke suppressant (150) admixed therein (160). An uncured artifact is formed from a core or substrate (12) and the pre-preg, which provides a skin, and is cured (210). A non-fibrous silicate fire resistant material (190, 230) is introduced by: (i) admixing the fire resistant material with the resin composition, and/or (ii) applying the fire resistant material to an outer surface of the pre-preg or an outer surface of the skin of the uncured artifact, and/or (iii) applying the fire resistant material to an outer surface of the skin of the cured artifact. The invention extends to a flame-proofed artifact (15).

Abstract: A method of fabricating an artefact (15) includes treating natural fibres (1 10) with a non-halogenated flame retardant agent (120), the fibres (1 10) also being treated with a smoke suppressant (120). At least one pre-preg is formed (170, 180) from the treated natural fibres and from a resin composition (160) including a smoke suppressant (150) admixed therein (160). An uncured artefact is formed from a core or substrate (12) and the pre-preg, which provides a skin, and is cured (210). A non-fibrous silicate fire resistant material (190, 230) is introduced by: (i) admixing the fire resistant material with the resin composition, and/or (ii) applying the fire resistant material to an outer surface of the pre-preg or an outer surface of the skin of the uncured artefact, and/or (iii) applying the fire resistant material to an outer surface of the skin of the cured artefact. The invention extends to a flame-proofed artefact (15).