Effective approach to reducing fire hazards of rigid polyurethane foam
A recent study deals with the fabrication of a fire protective coating on the surface of rigid polyurethane foam and investigates the effect of its flame retardancy and combustion properties.
The huge surface area of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) is the key factor for easy ignition and rapid fire spread when it is exposed to heat sources.
The main aim of a new work was to fabricate a fire protective coating on the surface of RPUF and investigate the effect of fire protective coating on flame retardancy and combustion properties of RPUF. Waterborne intumescent fireproof coating was prepared and then brushed onto the surface of RPUF. The effect of fire protective coating thickness on flame retardancy and combustion properties of RPUF was evaluated by a cone calorimeter.
Protective coating could enhance the flame retardancy of RPUF
The heat release rate, total smoke production, and mass loss of the coated RPUF were greatly reduced compared with those of pure RPUF. The results indicated that fire protective coating could enhance the flame retardancy of the RPUF, which may be due to the fire protective coating acting as a good physical barrier to suppress the heat release, combustible gases released during the combustion process.
The study has been published in Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, January 2019, Volume 16.
Event tip:
If you want to start working on your own coatings that can be used for fire protection you should attend the European Coatings seminar Flame Retardant Coatings in May 2019. Here you will learn the basics of the underlying chemistries and different technologies. This Seminar provides also comprehensive overview of current European fire standards and laws.
