Intumescent Mesh Coating for Fire Blocking and Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intumescent coatings do not effectively balance airflow and fire resistance, often failing to prevent oxygen supply to fires while maintaining structural integrity and moisture protection.
Innovation Solution
A flexible grid coated with an intumescent material comprising expandable graphite and a polymer-based carrier, designed to allow airflow until reaching an activation temperature, then swell to seal openings and prevent air flow, providing a thermal barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing intumescent coatings are used, then fire resistance is improved, but airflow is blocked preventing moisture protection
Solution Approach 1:
The intumescent coating transitions from a flexible, open-state configuration that permits airflow to an expanded, sealed configuration that blocks airflow. This dynamic transformation is triggered by thermal exposure, allowing the coating to adapt its properties based on temperature conditions while maintaining both airflow capability and fire resistance functions
2Reliability
If intumescent coating is applied to seal openings, then fire resistance is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coating undergoes a parameter change in its physical state and volume when exposed to fire temperatures. The intumescent materials transform the coating from a thin, non-structural layer to a thick, expanded thermal barrier that provides fire protection while the flexible grid substrate maintains the overall structural integrity of the assembly
3Reliability
If thicker intumescent coating is applied, then fire resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible grid substrate is pre-configured with the intumescent coating materials before final installation. The coating is applied in a controlled manufacturing process where the flexible grid is passed through a bath of liquid intumescent material, allowing uniform coating distribution and simplifying the overall application process while ensuring adequate fire resistance
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 solution effectively seals openings to prevent air flow and fuel supply during fires, enhancing fire resistance while allowing necessary airflow for moisture protection, meeting building code requirements for soffits.
Implementation Method 1
intumescent coating comprising expandable graphite and a polymer-based carrier as ingredients and having an activation temperature above which the intumescent coating swells
Implementation Method 2
The swollen layer generally has a low thermal conductivity. As a result, intumescent coatings are often used as a passive fire resistance measure
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing fire protection to a structure includes the step of installing an intumescent mesh on a surface of the structure such that the intumescent mesh is exposed to outdoor environmental conditions. The intumescent mesh includes a mesh with a series of openings and an intumescent coating applied to the flexible grid such that air can pass through the openings in the intumescent mesh. The intumescent coating includes expandable graphite and a polymer-based carrier; and the intumescent coating does not degrade when exposed the outdoor environmental conditions. The intumescent coating remains flexible and resists cracking and spalling from the flexible grid.