Effectiveness Testing of Filled Silicon Organic Coatings for Concrete
Aim: The purpose of this research is to study the fire retardant effectiveness of developed substances for use in protection of concrete structures against high temperatures and open fire flames. Introduction: Fire-retardant capability of filled silicon organic coatings is based on the creation of an expanded thermal insulation layer, which is formed on the surface of concrete structures at a temperature of 473-773 K. This layer protects construction structures from fire damage, and high temperatures which occur during a fire incident. The structures heat up to a critical temperature level, at which point they lose their load bearing capacity and collapse. Methods: Fire retardant capability of coatings for concrete was determined by a standardized method based on identifying the linear coefficient of coating expansion, in accordance with the Ukraine Fire Protection “State Standard -N-P B V.11-29-2010 - Fire Retardant Treatment of Building Structures, General Requirements and Methods of Control”. This Standard specifies general requirements and fire retardant capability control methods during commissioning of completed building structures, which were exposed to fire-retardant treatment, identification and subsequent use. Results: Results from experimental studies confirmed that the selected composition components of filled silicon organic coatings for concrete was appropriate. The proposed fire retardant substance has high protective efficiency properties during heating, due to the formation of an expanded insulation layer with a low thermal conductivity index and high coefficient of linear expansion. It was determined that the composition of fire retardant substances, number 3 and 4, are characterized by the highest linear coefficient of swelling and the lowest thermal conductivity index. These are important indicators of fire protection effectiveness for concrete structures. The best specifications are revealed by fire retardant substance number 3, for which λ = 0,058 Wt / m ∙ K and Кl= 12.3. Conclusions: The use of expanding fire protective coatings is appropriate because the substances are thin-layered, do not emit toxic elements when heated and are very effective in fire-retardant performance. Their preparation and application to the surface enables the use of current conventional technology in the paint and varnish industry. The formation of a layer with optimum protective properties, when coating is exposed to high temperatures, is determined largely by the developed fire retardant composition of elements making up the substance and quantitative relationship between components, and ultimately the chemical process which occurs during production.