How To Distinguish Fireproof Coatings For Steel Structures?

Classification of fireproof coatings for steel structures:

    1. It can be divided into organic and inorganic according to the substrate, and according to the site, it can be divided into indoor and outdoor;

    2. From the coating thickness, it is ultra-thin type, thin coating and thick type.

    3. According to whether it is inflatable or not, it can be divided into expansion-type (including ultra-thin type and thin coating type) and non-expandable type (thick type).

    Generally, classification according to coating thickness is a common method.

    The thick type fire proof coating (non-expandable type) on steel structure:  thickness range 8-50mm, fire resistance limit can reach 0.5-3 hours.

    When a fire occurs, the coating will not expand, and its flame retardant performance mainly relies on its non-combustibility, heat absorption and low thermal conductivity to delay the temperature rise of the steel. This kind of fireproof coating not only has some advantages of water-soluble fireproof coating, but also has low cost.

    Most of the fireproof coatings for steel structures are sprayed, and they are used indoors on steel structures that require a fire resistance limit of more than 2 hours. However, due to their thicker coatings, their decorative properties are relatively poor.

Steel structure fire retardant coatings can be divided into:

    1. Ultra-thin steel structure fireproof coating: ≤3mm;

    2. Thin steel structure fireproof coating: >3mm and ≤7mm;

    3. Thick steel structure fireproof coating: >7mm and ≤50mm.

    The coating thickness of the thin-coated steel structure fireproof coating is 3-7mm, and the fire resistance limit does not exceed 2h.

    When it is exposed to fire, it can expand and foam, and the thermal insulation layer formed by the expansion and foam can delay the temperature rise of the steel, thereby protecting the steel material.

    The base material of thin-coated steel structure fireproof coatings is generally composed of suitable latex polymers, plus flame retardants, additives, etc. 

    This kind of material is generally better in decoration than thick steel structure fireproof material. It is sprayed during construction, and it is used for steel structure buildings that require fire resistance limit within 2 hours.

    Ultra-thin steel structure fireproof coating refers to steel structure fireproof coating with a coating thickness of no more than 3mm. 

    It can also expand and foam when exposed to fire, and can form a dense fireproof and heat insulation layer. It is a new product developed in recent years.

    There are many construction methods for it, such as spraying, brushing, and roller coating, and its fire resistance limit is also within 2 hours. 

    Compared with thick-coated steel structure fireproof coating and thin-coated steel structure fireproof coating, this ultra-thin fireproof coating has finer viscosity, thinner coating, convenient construction and better decoration.