What are intumescent materials?

What are intumescent materials?

Intumescent materials are a core component of passive fire protection, and can be categorised as substances that swell when exposed to heat. This reaction is used to great effect in order to seal penetrations in otherwise fire resistant walls, floors and ceilings.

What is intumescent material and where is it used?

Applications. Intumescents are used to achieve passive fire protection for such applications as firestopping, fireproofing, gasketing and window casings. Such applications are relevant for buildings, offshore constructions, ships and aircraft.

What is intumescent coating?

Intumescent coating is a layer of protective substance which works by chemical reaction generated by heat, resulting in swelling and formation of an insulating layer on the surface, with or without release of water.

What is intumescent mastic?

Fire-rated mastics for sealing around fire barriers and penetrating pipes and services on a range of substrates and surfaces, such as brick, block and plasterboard. Helps prevent spread of smoke and fire through gaps and cracks.

How do intumescent coatings work?

Intumescent coatings work by undergoing a chemical reaction when heated to form an expanded, thermally insulating layer. The coatings include an acid source — typically phosphorous-based, a carbon source, and one or more blowing agents dispersed in a suitable resin system.

What UL 263?

ANSI/UL 263, the Standard for Safety of Fire Tests of Building Construction Materials, and ASTM E119, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials, were developed to simulate a building fire.

Is intumescent paint expensive?

As intumescent fire resistive coatings can be quite expensive ($4 to $12 per square foot, depending on the application and required rating), measuring the coating thickness can play an important role in controlling the application costs.

How does intumescent sealant work?

An intumescent seal is a strip of material fitted around a doorway, that when exposed to heat, expands closing any gaps around the door to stop the fire spreading for a period of time. These seals usually come with either 30 or 60 minute ratings.

How much does intumescent mastic expand?

Also known as expansion sealant, intumescent sealant expands when it becomes exposed to extreme heat and can swell up to 40 times its original volume.

Can you paint over intumescent coating?

The short answer is yes, you can paint over it.

What NFPA 251?

NFPA 251: Standard Methods of Tests of Fire Resistance of Building Construction and Materials.

What is ul2079?

UL 2079, 5th Edition, August 26, 2015 – UL Standard for Safety Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems. These tests are applicable to joint systems of various materials and construction that are intended for use in linear openings between adjacent fire resistive structures.