Epoxy-Thiol Fire-Resistant Coating for Cable Routes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire protection methods for cable routes, such as intumescent coatings and halogen-free cables, face issues like slow curing times, adhesion problems, and inefficiencies in preventing fire spread, especially when cables are laid vertically or at angles, leading to inadequate fire protection and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A fire protection composition comprising an epoxy-thiol-based binder system with a high proportion of ablative fire protection additives, which rapidly cures at low temperatures, providing excellent adhesion and a high degree of filling without the need for solvents, thus forming a robust insulating layer that endothermically decomposes to cool and protect cables during fires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If intumescent coatings are applied to cable routes, then fire resistance is improved (cables protected for 30 minutes or longer), but the coating fails when cables are laid vertically or at angles due to cracking and flaking off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the coating by using epoxy-thiol binder systems with specific molecular structures and crosslinking densities that provide flexibility and adhesion. The formulation includes specific ratios of epoxy resins to thiol compounds, and incorporates ablative additives that maintain protective properties without the brittleness that causes cracking in vertical applications.
2Reliability
If thick insulating materials are used to achieve sufficient fire protection, then fire resistance is improved, but thermal insulation properties cause current-carrying capacity derating during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition mechanisms through ablative materials that undergo endothermic decomposition when exposed to fire temperatures. The coating transitions from a solid protective layer to decomposing into ceramic residues and gases, absorbing large amounts of heat energy during this phase change process. This provides active fire protection without requiring thick layers that would insulate heat during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material formulation combining epoxy-thiol binder systems with ablative additives such as aluminum trihydrate, magnesium hydroxide, and ceramic particles. This composite structure provides both adhesion and flexibility during normal operation, while the ablative components activate during fire to provide thermal protection through decomposition and ceramicization.
3Reliability
If halogen-free flame-retardant cables are used, then fire safety is improved (low smoke, low fire spread), but costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a cost-effective coating formulation that provides fire protection without requiring expensive halogen-free cable materials. The epoxy-thiol based coating with ablative additives serves as a protective layer that can be applied to standard cables, providing comparable fire safety performance at lower material costs.
4Reliability
If ablative materials are applied to cables and cable holders, then fire protection is improved through cooling and ceramicization, but adhesion becomes a problem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system where epoxy-thiol binders provide strong adhesion to cable surfaces, while ablative additives are incorporated within the binder matrix. The chemical crosslinking of the epoxy-thiol system creates a robust network that anchors the ablative particles, ensuring they remain attached during application and service while maintaining fire protective functionality.
5Ease of operation
If solvent-based or water-based coating systems are used, then application is easier, but curing times are slow and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical drying mechanisms (evaporation of solvents or water) with chemical crosslinking mechanisms. The epoxy-thiol system undergoes chemical reaction to form a cured network, providing rapid curing without relying on solvent evaporation. This substitution of the curing mechanism eliminates the need for long drying times while maintaining ease of application.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition allows for quick application and curing, achieving effective fire resistance with thin layers, reducing material costs and maintaining high insulation efficiency even when applied to large areas, while ensuring excellent adhesion to various substrates and preventing fire spread.
Implementation Method 1
A fire protection composition comprising an epoxy-thiol-based binder system with a high proportion of ablative fire protection additives, which rapidly cures at low temperatures
Implementation Method 2
forming a robust insulating layer that endothermically decomposes to cool and protect cables during fires
Implementation Method 3
forming a robust insulating layer that endothermically decomposes to cool and protect cables during fires
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a composition which contains a binder based on epoxy-thiol. Said claimed composition makes it possible to apply, in a simple and rapid manner, coatings that have the layer thickness required for the respective fire resistance grading, the layer thickness being reduced to a minimum while achieving a good fireproofing effect. Said claimed composition is particularly suitable for fire protection, especially as a coating for cables and cable routes for increasing the fire resistance grading.