Mechanisms of Char Strengthening in the Fibre Reinforced Intumescent Coatings (FRIC) Determined via Scanning Electron Microscopy

This research article reports a study conducted on three formulations of fibre reinforced intumescent coatings using different types of wool fibres. Fibre reinforcement was introduced to strengthen the coatings and their chars for better fire protection to the substrate. Observations through Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy were made on the coatings and their chars after one-hour furnace fire test; reaching 800°C temperature in 30 minutes. These scans explained the barrier roles played by the fibres when the coatings swell in their reactions against fire. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy analysis between the coatings and their chars showed that FRIC was able to sustain more high temperature materials and gave rise to the char strength and fire protection. These findings concluded that fibre reinforcement strengthened the char in four mechanisms.