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International Paint Introduces ‘Firesthetics’ Technology

Friday, June 11, 2010

AkzoNobel’s  International® Paint, a manufacturer of high-performance protective coatings and fire-protection products, formally introduced Firesthetics™, fire-protection solutions, described as a “revolutionary” approach to protecting commercial steel structures without compromising architectural integrity and vision.

The products were formally introduced last week at the AIA 2010 Convention and Expo in Miami. The fire-protection technology includes factory-produced fire-protective columns that conform to varied steel surface shapes as they cure; the Interchar® Bolt Cap™ reinforced polymeric fire-resistant cap that snaps onto steel bolts and contributes to fire protection for interior exposed steel; and a new low-VOC, HAPS-free, water-borne thin-film intumescent coating formulated to protect interior exposed structural steel.

Billed as "a unique fusion of science and art," Firesthetics is reported to provide customized fire-protection solutions for exposed-steel designs using the company’s Interchar intumescent technology. The company says the technology offers fire-protective factory-manufactured columns that conform to varied steel surface shapes or finishes during cure. The result is “dramatic and bold finishes that enhance the fire safety, style, and aesthetics of interior and exterior spaces,” the company says. The technology is designed for use in new construction or retrofit projects.

The technology involves the fabrication of pre-formed molds that are filled with epoxy intumescent material in a factory-manufacturing environment. The material is allowed to cure, then is removed from the molds. The molded sections are then bonded to the steel-similar to installing ceramic wall tiles-using the same epoxy intumescent material. Upon final cure in the field, the surface is buffed and a topcoat application completes the installation.

The intumescent material produces a “charring” effect when exposed to high heat, which creates a protective barrier to the underlying steel. The strength of the barrier is the result of the formulation’s adhesion to steel surfaces, durability, and fast cure rate, the company says. The epoxy intumescent can be fabrication shop-applied in two coats, producing a quality-controlled application while eliminating a major portion of the complex, labor-intensive process of applying fireproofing material at the construction site, the company says. The intumescent technology is designed to provide up to four hours of fire protection, thus preventing steel infrastructures from collapsing prematurely, and allowing building occupants more time to evacuate safely.

The Bolt Cap product offers an aesthetically attractive option for bolt connections on interior steel, and is reported to provide three hours of fire protection. Final color options are available with factory RAL color matching, or application of a decorative topcoat in the field.

Also introduced was Interchar 1120, a low-VOC, HAPS-free water-borne thin-film intumescent coating for interior structural steel. Combined with field-applied water-borne primers and topcoats, the intumescent coating provides a complete LEED-compliant package for any commercial project. LEED is the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green-building rating system.

Bill Dempster, International Paint HVI market manager, said the fire-protection technologies are designed to respond to global demand for enhanced fire-protection materials and the need for products that meet higher architectural aesthetic requirements.

The company said the fire-protective products have been fully fire-tested at Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and other accredited fire testing facilities. The products have been applied in concert halls, churches, fashion stores, universities, high-rise residencies, high-end commercial offices, and museums across the globe. 

More information: www.international-pc.com.