Intumescent coatings

Principal investigators: Professor Chris Breen and Dr Simon Thompson

Intumescent coatings are used to protect structural steelwork during a fire. These coatings expand 50 to 100 times when heated in air. They form a high volume, carbon foam which acts as a heat resistant barrier and keeps the steel cool. The insulating effect of the carbon foam ensures that the steel retains its structural integrity while people exit the building and the fire is brought under control.

PCAS staff have made significant improvements to commercially available intumescent coatings extending the char's robustness, extending the operating window and improving the scratch resistance of the applied coating. The intellectual property has been protected.