Construction Uses

TFP offers a wide range of materials for use in the infrastructure and construction market, fulfilling a range of functions including providing fire protection, high temperature insulation and EMI shielding.

Of these applications the primary use is fire protection and our TECNOFIRE® range provides a host of solutions for both traditional gap filling and surface protection applications. TECNOFIRE® is an intumescent material which expands uni-directionally at temperatures above 190°C (374°F) to produce an inert char which protects the underlying structure.  Key advantages include it's stable insulative char, resin infusibility and the range of expansion ratios available (from 4.5:1 up to 35:1).

 Some typical applications include:

• Gap filling - applications include pipe wraps and collars, joint seals, ironmongery protection, glazing seals and door and ventilation grilles.
• Surface protection - applications include composite fabrications, specialist fire doors and fire resistant panels and facades.

TECNOFIRE® has passed a number of fire tests including the ASTM E84-11a test where it achieved a Flame Spread Index (FSI) value of 0 and a Smoke Developed Index (SDI) of 30 or less. The test results mean that the materials have achieved a CLASS A rating in E84, qualifying them for use in Walls & Ceilings and Plenums. In addition, TECNOFIRE® is extensively used in the construction of 30, 60 & 90 minute fire rated doors, which have been Intertek certified (UL10C & NFPA 252) and awarded the Warnock Hersey Mark.

Although fire protection is the most popular use of our nonwovens in this sector, there are a number of other applications. These include:

• High temperature insulation - TFP offers thermal insulation papers produced from a broad range of fibres including glass, mineral, AES (alkaline earth silicate), RCF (refractory ceramic fibre) and alumina. This variety enables provision of effective insulation at temperatures ranging from 500°C up to 1600°C, combined with excellent cold-handling material strength and flexibility.
• EMI shielding – OPTIVEIL® & OPTIMAT® carbon and metal coated carbon materials provide high levels of EMI shielding. These mats and veils can be tailored to meet the required attenuation values at certain specified frequencies. Used either in isolation, or incorporated into a composite, it offers a competitive lightweight alternative to traditional shielding options.
• Surface Finish - TFP nonwovens provide a high quality, resin rich surface finish to a composite. Used extensively as surfacing veils, they minimise print through and potentially reduce the amount of further processing required.