Markus Wöhr, Sika Deutschland (soon to be a member of the Sherwin Williams group), explained that FR intumescent coatings combine a blowing agent, carbon source, catalyst, and a binder, and so generate a protective carbon char foam in case of fire. They can be complemented with surface sealers to ensure aesthetic qualities and durability against environmental impacts. He presented the main fire tests used for reaction to fire testing, applicable to wood and timber products for both load bearing timber and wood panels: EN 13823-SBI – EN 13501-1, BS 476 parts 6 & 7, ASTM E84-08a. Heat emission, sparks, smoke and toxic gases are all important. Essential are also indoor air quality specifications (including EU Directive 2004/42/CE), green building certification schemes (BREEAM, LEED, DGNB, etc.) and ecolabels. These particularly target low emission of VOCs, formaldehyde and ammonia, to name a few. He presented examples of public buildings extensively using treated timber with Sika’s products to achieve required fire safety standards, including the Freiburg House of Farmers, Germany, Matamata – Piako Civic Centre, New Zealand, and Friedrichshafen Fair centre, Germany. The latter is now over 20 years old, demonstrating the durability of the PIN FR intumescent coating systems.
European Coatings webforum “Fire retardant coatings 8th February 2022 https://www.european-coatings.com/events/2022/ec-webforum-fire-2022