Mechanistic study of a silicon-based intumescent coating system

Aixiao Fu, Burak Ulusoy, Hafeez Ahmadi, Hao Wu, Kim Dam-Johansen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

The performance and working mechanism of a silicon-based intumescent coating system, comprising primarily silicone binder, fumed silica, and sodium silicate particles, were investigated. Water release from sodium silicate particles coupled with softening of the matrix, induced efficient coating expansion. The residual dehydrated silicates underwent ceramification at high temperatures, resulting in the formation of a compact and thermally stable heat barrier composed of SiO2. Optimization of the coating involved adjusting the amount of sodium silicate particles and introducing kaolin. The best-performed formulation, evaluated in a laboratory-scaled electrical furnace under UL 1709 fire scenario, exhibited a critical time of 56 min, which surpassed that of a commercial epoxy-based intumescent coating by 8 min.

Original languageEnglish
Article number108354
JournalProgress in Organic Coatings
Volume190
Number of pages9
ISSN0300-9440
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Keywords

  • Alkali silicate
  • Fire protection
  • Hydrocarbon fire
  • Intumescent coating
  • Silicone

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