Advances in inumescent fire protection

A new manuscript provides an overview of promising inorganic-dominant intumescent coating systems.

Geopolymers and silicone-based intumescent coatings provide enhanced thermal stability and mechanical strength, thus offering an alternative solution for protecting construction materials from fire. Image source: beermedia - Fotolia.

Intumescent coatings currently in use predominately consist of organic systems. A new review now focuses especially on inorganic intumescent coatings, mainly alkali silicate-, phosphate- and silicone-based coatings, and it covers the reported formulations and their working mechanisms by addressing their distinct advantages and related challenges.

Inherent intumescence

Alkali silicate-based coatings, including geopolymers, exhibit inherent intumescence facilitated by matrix softening and water release, culminating in a ceramifying process that yields protective ceramic layers. Their exceptional intumescent capacity makes them promising candidates for intumescent coatings, but weathering sensitivity and difficulties in implementation restrict their further development. Silicone, known for its high thermal and oxidative stability, serves as a reliable fireproofing material, and when utilised as a binder, it can expand by incorporating expandable agents such as expandable graphite, organic compounds and hydrated alkali silicate particles.

The manuscript has been published in Progress in Organic Coatings, Volume 199, February 2025, 108939.

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