When exposed to fire, temperatures rise rapidly and within as little as a few minutes can reach temperatures that threaten the structural integrity of the steel. Intumescent coatings form a protective barrier around the steel, slowing the temperature rise in order to buy time for evacuation and emergency services response. As a result, these protective coatings minimise damage, reduce losses, and potentially save lives.

Not only do intumescent coatings offer protection against fire, they can also protect against corrosion, impact, abrasions, and cryogenic spills which can damage steel. Consequently, these high performing coatings have the capacity to extend the working lifespan of the building.

Intumescent coatings come in the form of a three part system – primer, intumescent, and topcoat.

The primer protects against corrosion of the steel under normal operating conditions, and when exposed to fire, allows the intumescent char to continue to adhere to the structure.

Inert at normal temperatures, the intumescent plays a role in protecting the steel structure from weathering. In the event of a fire, the intumescent expands in thickness, coating the steel with char – layers of intumescent matrix and microscopic gas cavities – that deliver thermal insulation against rising temperatures.

The topcoat seals the PFP system, providing additional protection against corrosion, and creating a superior aesthetic finish.

Together the complete PFP system protects steel through all standard operating and environmental conditions with the additional ability to maintain structural integrity for as long as possible in a fire.