Our TECNOFIRE® fire protection materials deliver the required fire protection to composites without the toxicity, structural compromises or time consuming application associated with alternative technologies like additives or paints.
TFP manufactures TECNOFIRE®, a range of highly effective passive fire protection materials. These intumescent mats are infused with resin and integrated into a composite structure to impart integrated resistance to burn through, flame spread & also provide insulation from the heat of combustion. The TECNOFIRE® mat is typically incorporated near the surface of the composite, close to the fire risk, in order to maximise fire resistance yet maintain the strength & weight targets of the resin matrix.
TECNOFIRE® has been used extensively in the transport (buses & trains), bridge, infrastructure and construction industries, as well as in the manufacture of composite structural panels and facades.
The materials are manufactured from high temperature resistant mineral fibres, exfoliating graphite, a small amount of organic binder and, in some cases, active ingredients such as alumina trihydrate (ATH). ATH acts as a suppressant to surface spread of flame and by incorporating it into the TECNOFIRE® layer rather than using it as a resin additive it remains concentrated at the composite’s surface where it is required, rather than being dispersed throughout the resin and potentially compromising the strength of the composite structure.
When exposed to fire or temperatures in excess of 190°C, TECNOFIRE® will begin to expand unidirectionally by up to 22 times it’s original thickness, producing a thick insulative char. This can be seen in the video below. The stabilised char significantly reduces the rate of degradation of the underlying materials by insulating the composite components from heat energy.
TECNOFIRE® IN ACTION:
COMPATIBILITY AND PROCESSING
TECNOFIRE® materials are compatible with most common resin systems including epoxy and polyester and can be readily incorporated into composites using most standard processing methods. They are particularly suited to resin injection moulding and composite parts containing TECNOFIRE® have been successfully processed via pultrusion, hand lay-up, vacuum bagging, pre-pregging and mandrel wrapping as well as via a variety of other techniques.
KEY BENEFITS:
- Reduces need for incorporation of flame retardant additives or resin in the bulk of the structure
- Insulates underlying composite structure from heat energy
- Intumescents provide a permanent integral surfacing layer
- Intumescent surfacing mats do not significantly contribute to smoke or heat flux
- Compatible with most common composite production methods