What type of materials provide fire resistance by eroding to the flame front?

Ablative materials are designed specifically to provide fire resistance through the process of erosion when exposed to extreme heat or flames. These materials absorb heat and undergo a chemical change, resulting in a protective char layer that forms between the flame and the underlying material. This layer helps to insulate and protect the rest of the material from further damage, effectively slowing down the spread of fire and heat.

In contrast, insulating materials primarily work by limiting heat transfer and maintaining a temperature differential, rather than eroding. Non-combustible materials resist combustion but do not actively react to flames in a manner that alters their structure. Reactive materials, on the other hand, may involve chemical reactions that could enhance combustion rather than provide a barrier to fire spread.