Low-Temperature Mechanical Properties of Passive Fire Protective Coatings

Passive Fire Protective coatings (PFP) are applied at very high thickness compared to normal paints.  The PFP can be applied from a tenth of an inch to three quarters of an inch.  In many ways, it is best to think of theses materials as composite plastics rather than as coatings.  As such, physical properties that are important with a material applied at five thousandths of an inch may not be relevant to a coating applied at 100 times that thickness.  Properties of thin film coatings that are considered attributes may not allow the PFP to cope with the rigors of in-service conditions.  Vibration, flexing of steel members and rapidly changing temperatures can negatively impact thick film coatings.  

This paper explores the room temperature and low temperature properties of epoxy intumescent coatings.  Tensile properties and adhesion values at room temperature down to       –40°C have been measured and will be discussed.   A comparison of apparent glass transition temperatures, adhesion, tensile strength, and elongation for flexible and tough compared to hard and brittle PFP coatings will be presented.