International. A paper by researchers from Singapore highlights the thermal decomposition of two polymer-based, non-halogenated coatings that have the potential to be used as passive fire protection for structural concrete.
Although the combustion behavior of coatings is different from classical intumescence, their action is based on a condensed phase mechanism, which creates an abrupt temperature gradient between the coating surface and the coating-concrete interface.
When subjected to the ISO 834 heating curve, one of the coatings could prevent the interface temperature from rising above 345ºC even after 3 h (corresponding furnace temperature is 1.114ºC). The heat transfer simulation corroborates the observed fire protection behavior and shows that it may have potential for use in structural members.
The toxicity test revealed that the gases released during decomposition do not pose a threat to a person's life or health.
Source: www.sciencedirect.com
