Fraunhofer WKI and DTNW Germany launch research into PIN FR intumescent coatings as safer alternative PIN FRs for wood surfaces in building construction. Wood is increasingly used, as a natural and sustainable construction material for buildings and because timber-based constructions can be erected in an energy-efficient and climate-friendly manner. The use of these materials in exterior applications poses a challenge for fire safety. In addition to fire resistance requirements, the decorative wood appearance must be maintained and the FRs must offer weather resistance. DTNW (Deutsches Textilforschungszentrum Nord-West GmbH) and Fraunhofer WKI (Institut für Holzforschung, Wilhelm Klauditz Institut) are developing innovative non-halogenated PIN FRs for single-step fire retardant coatings in the field of decorative wood surfaces. The chemical immobilisation of the PIN FRs onto the surface of finished wood is expected to ensure very low environmental exposure.
The project is financed within the AiF funding (IGF No. 03182/21) of the German government. It will pay special attention towards the applicability of the developed FR varnish for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in wood finishing.