Intumescent coatings formulated with vegetable compounds
Intumescent coatings protect steel structures against fire due to the formation of a protective carbonaceous layer. One of the main components of these systems is carbon, which usually comes from non-renewable sources. Therefore, the development of more eco-friendly alternatives is essential.
In this work, epoxy resin coatings were prepared with vegetable compounds (ginger powder and coffee husk) to act as a carbon source in the intumescent system. In addition, the possibility of using zinc phosphate (ZnP) and triphenyl phosphate (TPP) as flame retardants has been verified.
Low-cost solution
The characterisation of the coatings was performed through a fire resistance test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC–MS). Both vegetable compounds showed potential for application as a carbon source, decreasing the temperature of the substrate when compared to the blank condition. Coatings containing TPP show better behaviour as flame retardants and better expansion than ZnP. Py-GC–MS analysis shows the absence of toxic gases such as CN− and phosphine.
The study is published in: Progress in Organic Coatings, Volume 113, December 2017, Pages 47-59
Event tip
All about fire protection with coatings is in the focus of the European Coatings Fire Forum. The conference to be held on 17-18 October 2017 in Berlin show you how to handle constantly changing regulations and which technological innovations are the most crucial.
