Fire-retardant and self-healing plywood coatings
Researchers have presented a dual-functional intumescent fire-retardant and self-healing water-based plywood coating.
During a recent study, a semi-interpenetrating network (SIPN) technique was used to prepare a semi-transparent dual-functional, intumescent fire-retardant/self-healing water-based coating for plywood. The coatings comprised ammonium polyphosphate (APP) as a source of acid source and gas source; poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as the carbon source and self-healing agent; and sodium silicate and sodium fluorosilicate (SS) as precursors for forming an integral inorganic network.
Enhanced fire retardancy
The semi-transparent coatings demonstrated excellent fire retardancy thanks to the interplay between the inorganic silicate network and the intumescent fire-retardant system. Remarkable self-healing properties were provided by the dynamic hydrogen bonding interaction between PVA molecular chains, where significant scratches were healed after exposure to water vapor. The PVA/SSA coating enhanced the fire retardancy of plywood, which was shown to be directly related to the APP content.
The study has been published in Progress in Organic Coatings, Volume 153, May 2021.
Event tip
If you want to learn more about fire protection and the role of coatings in this life saving topic, the EC WebForum Fire Protection – stay cool in case of fire on June 8-9 is the perfect opportunity.
