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The protective effects and aging process of the topcoat of intumescent fire-retardant coatings applied to steel structures

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Abstract

The protective effects of a topcoat on an intumescent fire-retardant coating were studied under hydrochloric acid solution corrosion, accelerated UV aging and natural weathering. The protective effects were determined to be appreciable under all the aging conditions. During hydrochloric acid corrosion testing, the coating sample without the topcoat exhibited no fire resistance after immersion for 48 h. When a topcoat was used, the acid solution could not directly corrode the fire-retardant coating. However, the solution was observed to seep into the coating layer from the edges, demonstrating that special attention must be paid to the edges and corners to avoid the pollution source corroding the coating and substrate. Under the accelerated UV aging conditions, the fire-resistant properties of the unprotected coating deteriorated significantly after 20 days of aging due to the hydrolysis and photooxidation of the components. However, the coating with a topcoat exhibited better fire-proof properties, even after 40 days of aging. During the natural weathering process, the fire resistance of the coating without a topcoat significantly decreased after being exposed to the high levels of precipitation and UV radiation that occur during summer. The fire-resistant properties were completely lost after 1 year of aging exposure. However, the protected sample exhibited no distinct changes in the duration of fire resistance. The results of this study remind engineering personnel to pay attention to the deterioration of the coating properties and to take protection measures. Despite slightly decreasing the fire resistance performance and increasing the cost, the protective effect of the topcoat was remarkable. Therefore, a compatible topcoat is considered indispensable for fire-retardant coatings used outdoors to ensure the best long-term fire resistance performance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fire Protection Engineering Department, Chinese People’s Armed Police Forces Academy, Xichang Road 220#, Anci District, Langfang, 065000, Hebei, China

    Ji Wang

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  1. Ji Wang
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Correspondence to Ji Wang.

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Wang, J. The protective effects and aging process of the topcoat of intumescent fire-retardant coatings applied to steel structures. J Coat Technol Res 13, 143–157 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11998-015-9733-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11998-015-9733-9

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