The enhancement of operating properties of intumescent fire-protective compositions

Abstract

The paper overviews the operational properties of charred layers which are forming as a result of thermolytical synthesis of intumescent coatings, and the ways of enhancing those properties using different additives mixed with initial intumescent composition. Methods including differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, microscale calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the modified intumescent compositions and the properties of charred layers formed from them. Results show that additives tend to change the microstructure of char which undergoes some transformations; it is proven by increase in volume and stability. Also it is shown that melamine-aldehyde resin was detected in the microstructure of char, and it is a step forward in forming a holistic conception of intumescents operating.