Fire protection is a critical aspect of modern construction, especially for metal structures that are vulnerable to high temperatures during fire incidents. Pyroshield™ W80 is an advanced water-based acrylic intumescent coating designed to provide up to 120 minutes of fire protection for steel beams, columns, and hollow sections. But what makes this coating so effective? Let’s dive into the science behind intumescent coatings and how it ensures structural integrity in high-risk environments.

What is an Intumescent Coating?

Intumescent coatings are specially formulated fireproofing materials that expand when exposed to high temperatures. Unlike conventional coatings, which only provide a basic barrier, intumescent coatings react to heat by undergoing a chemical transformation that forms an insulating char layer (a thick, protective foam-like layer that slows down heat transfer).This layer slows down heat transfer to the underlying structure, delaying structural failure and providing crucial evacuation time in case of a fire.

How Pyroshield™ W80 Works

It is a single-component, high-solids, waterborne intumescent coating that activates under extreme heat conditions. Here’s how it works step by step:

1. Heat Activation: When exposed to fire, the coating reaches a critical temperature where chemical reactions begin.
2. Expansion Process: The coating swells significantly, forming a thick insulating foam-like char layer.
3. Char Formation: This layer acts as a thermal barrier, reducing heat conduction to the steel substrate and preventing it from reaching critical temperatures.
4. Structural Protection: By maintaining the structural integrity of steel components for up to 120 minutes, it helps prevent premature collapse of buildings and infrastructure.

Why Steel Needs Fire Protection

Steel is widely used in construction due to its high strength and durability, but it has one major drawback—it loses structural integrity at high temperatures. At around 500-600°C, steel begins to weaken, leading to potential collapse. By applying Pyroshield™ W80, the steel can maintain its load-bearing capacity longer, giving occupants more time to evacuate and firefighters more time to control the fire.

Application-

The product is ideal for various industrial and commercial applications, including:

• Refineries and chemical plants where fire hazards are a major concern.
• Mining and hydroelectric facilities requiring enhanced fire protection for critical structures.
• Pulp and paper plants that need reliable fireproofing solutions.
• High-rise buildings where steel frameworks demand extended fire resistance.
• Galvanized and primed steel substrates, ensuring compatibility with approved epoxy metallic zinc primers.

Advantages-

• Water-based and environmentally friendly with low VOC emissions.
• High-solids formulation ensures durability and long-lasting performance.
• Easy application over primed steelwork and galvanized steel substrates.
• Internal fire protection tailored for commercial and industrial settings.
• Up to 120 minutes of fire resistance, providing critical protection in emergencies.

Conclusion

Fire safety is a non-negotiable aspect of modern construction, and intumescent coatings like Pyroshield™ W80 play a vital role in ensuring structural protection. By expanding into a protective char when exposed to extreme heat, this innovative coating helps mitigate fire risks, prolongs steel integrity, and enhances overall building safety. For industries requiring high-performance fire protection, it is a reliable solution that meets stringent safety standards while offering ease of application and environmental benefits.