Intumescent coating systems as effective fire retardants

Amino resins (AR) were prepared with the following modifiers added: (a) dehydrator (esterification catalyst), (b) carbonifier, (c) dehydrator + carbonifier. The AR coatings were applied to pinewood and exposed to thermal radiation (35 kW/m(2)); they were examined by cone calorimetry to establish heat release rate, mass loss rate, time to ignite, total heat released, and effective heat of combustion. Coatings a and b were ineffective. With type-c coat, pinewood was fire-retarded for the total experimental time (30 min). The resulting carbon layer prevented heat transfer and thermal decomposition of pinewood.