Combining aesthetics and fire resistance for better wood protection

Wood is a popular material for construction and furniture making due to its availability, ease of processing and excellent mechanical properties. However, its flammability poses significant risks, especially in historic buildings.

Despite advances in fire retardant technologies, creating coatings that combine transparency and fire resistance remains a challenge. These challenges highlight the urgent need for an effective, transparent and environmentally friendly fire retardant coating for wood materials.

Researchers from the Sichuan State Grid Electric Power Research Institute and Sichuan University have developed a new transparent intumescent flame retardant coating. Their study, published in the journal Chinese Journal of Polymer Scienceintroduces a coating that integrates phosphorus, nitrogen and silicon, creating a synergistic protective layer.

The coating provides exceptional fire-retardant performance while preserving the natural appearance of the wood, representing a significant advancement in wood fire safety technology.

The innovative coating combines phytic acid anion and quaternary ammonium cation to form a cross-linked network that significantly improves its intumescent properties. This structure increases the limiting oxygen index (LOI) to 35.5%, making the wood highly resistant to ignition. In addition, the coating reduces the total heat release by 13.9%, effectively slowing down the combustion process.

Its high transparency preserves the natural beauty of the wood, making it an ideal material for historical preservation and aesthetic uses. The tough carbon layer formed upon exposure to fire acts as an effective barrier against heat and oxygen, ensuring complete protection of the wood underneath.

“The balance between fire resistance and transparency of the material is a major breakthrough in fireproofing technology. This new coating not only meets the strict safety standards for wooden structures, but also preserves the aesthetic value of wood,” said Professor Hai-Bo Zhao, a senior researcher from Sichuan University. “This development has great potential for heritage conservation and the protection of important cultural sites.”

This new coating offers a practical and sustainable solution to improve the fire resistance of wood materials, particularly in historic buildings and valuable furniture. Its applications go beyond fire safety and potentially play a vital role in the preservation of ancient architecture and cultural heritage. By combining high performance with environmental responsibility, this coating could set a new standard in wood protection.