how intumescents work
Thin film intumescents have been designed to protect steel in the case of fire. Intumescents are effective for this use because of their fire retardant properties, specifically the fact that when exposed to heat it expands to form a protective char.
For an intumescent to function properly, it relies on the interaction of three specific components which it is made up of:
- Carbon Supplier: Polyols as starch, pentaerythritol
- Acid Source: Ammonium polyphosphate
- Expanding Agent: Melamine
In the case of thin-fil intumescents, these components are bound within either a in a solvent or waterborne polymeric binder*. Other components are added to improve the paint properties and enable easy application, enhance build and achieve faster drying.
the intumescent process
* Remedial Building Services Australia uses water based intumescents which are less hazardous and better for the environment