Intumescent Coatings: Safety Solutions for Construction

1. Overview of Intumescent Coating Market

The intumescent coating market is growing strongly and steadily, with increasing demand in key industries such as construction, oil and gas, and transportation. According to a report from Mordor Intelligence, global fireproof coating production is forecast to reach about 187.73 kilotons in 2028, up from 170.87 kilotons in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1 .90%.

This growth is mainly thanks to:

• Construction activities increase in emerging economies: Especially in the Asia-Pacific region, the demand for infrastructure construction is increasing.
• The need for safety protection in the oil and gas industry: The harsh working environment in this industry requires effective fire prevention measures.

However, the market is also facing major challenges, including rising raw material costs and strict environmental requirements. Large companies such as Jotun, AkzoNobel NV, and PPG Industries are leading the market, with diverse products serving the needs of fire prevention and protecting buildings against fire risks.

2. Current Situation of Fires and Explosions in Vietnam

2.1. Fires and Explosions Situation

Fire and explosion are an alarming problem in Vietnam, causing serious consequences for people, property, and the environment. In 2023, according to an article by AICA HPL, the country recorded 146 deaths due to incidents related to fire and explosion, of which 11 people died directly due to fire and explosion. Total economic losses amounted to 878 billion VND. At the same time, more than 236 hectares of forest were destroyed, greatly affecting the ecosystem and natural environment. This is a number that emphasizes the severity of this situation when the damage is not only physical but also causes great loss of long-term living environment.

Not only that, in the first 9 months of 2024, the fire and explosion situation continued to become complicated with a total of 3,193 incidents recorded across the country, according to the Moitruong Magazine. These fires and explosions claimed the lives of 85 people and injured 87 others. Property damage is also very significant, with an estimate of up to 217.4 billion VND. This is a clear demonstration of the need for more effective and sustainable fire prevention and fighting measures.

The consequences of fires and explosions are not only limited to economic losses, but also leave many social impacts, including loss of personal property, disruption of business operations, and most importantly, human losses. This situation also poses great challenges for the management and enforcement of fire prevention and fighting measures, requiring close coordination between authorities, businesses and communities in improving the quality of fire prevention and fighting. Raise awareness and implement effective prevention solutions.

2.2. Challenges in Fire Prevention

In the field of fire prevention, traditional measures such as installing fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers, and designing emergency exits play an important role. However, these measures often encounter some notable limitations.

1. Slow Response

One of the biggest limitations of traditional fire prevention measures is their slow response. Typically, fire alarm systems only activate when a fire has spread, resulting in valuable time being lost to promptly respond to the incident. This can create an increasingly dire situation, reducing the fire service’s ability to intervene and increasing the risk of damage to property and human life.

2. Not Enough Time to Evacuate or Rescue

In large structures, temperatures can increase rapidly and potentially destabilize internal structures. This means that people inside may have difficulty escaping or natural disasters may occur before they can evacuate. Escape systems, although designed, are often not quick or effective enough in an emergency situation, resulting in some individuals not being able to escape in time.

3. High Repair Costs After Fire

Another serious problem is that the cost of repair after a fire can be very high, especially when the damage to the structure is extensive. Restoring a building to its current state after a fire often requires a lot of time and large financial resources. Damages not only include material and labor costs, but also involve indirect costs such as lost business contracts, lost revenue during repairs, and loss of reputation. brand in the market

3. Intumescent Coating: The Optimal Solution for Construction

Intumescent coatings are designed to protect surfaces from fire hazards. When exposed to high temperatures, the paint layer reacts chemically, creating an insulating layer, protecting the underlying structure from damage.

3.1. Basic Ingredients of Intumescent Coating

Intumescent coatings from different companies also have different compositions. But in general, it is composed of the following components:

• • Fire-resistant synthetic plastic: Helps increase heat resistance.
  • Titanium Oxide and Polymers: Improved durability and aesthetics.
  • Chemical A45, C36: Chemical reaction when exposed to high temperatures, creating an insulating layer.
  • Other additives

3.2. Types of Intumescent Coatings

Intumescent coatings are currently divided into three main types, each with its characteristics and applications, suitable for each specific need.

Solvent-based intumescent coating:

Solvent-based intumescent coating is an effective solution for construction projects, especially steel structures in harsh environments. With heat resistance from 93-316°C, the coating expands when exposed to high temperatures, creating a thick foam layer to prevent heat transfer and fire spread, prolonging safety for projects and people.

The coating layer has a thickness of 250-1,000 microns, protects from 30 minutes to 4 hours, and has a lifespan of 5-20 years depending on the environment. Despite containing high VOC content, Solvent-based intumescent coating is still popular thanks to its outstanding protection performance and flexible application in projects such as factories, warehouses, and high-rise buildings. When combined with other fire prevention solutions, this type of coating contributes to improving safety and meeting fire and explosion standards.

Water-based intumescent coating:

Water-based intumescent coating is an advanced solution towards safety and sustainability. Using water as the primary solvent, this coating replaces harmful VOC compounds, reducing environmental impact and health risks. The dry-coating film is durable, rarely cracks or peels, and effectively protects the project for a long time.

However, water-based coating requires dry construction conditions, stable temperature, and longer drying time, causing inconvenience in projects that need to progress quickly. However, this is still the ideal choice for spaces such as schools, hospitals, and homes, where safety and environmental friendliness are a priority. Water-based intumescent coating contributes to protecting buildings and promoting green construction trends, meeting modern standards.

Epoxy-based intumescent coating:

Epoxy-based intumescent coating is a specialized solution that meets high requirements for fire safety and construction protection. With heat resistance up to 1500°C, this coating not only prevents the spread of fire but also protects the surface from damage when exposed to high temperatures, suitable for industries that require strict safety standards. slot.

The outstanding advantages of epoxy-based coating are outstanding adhesion, anti-peeling, effective water resistance, and structural protection from corrosion. In particular, the coating provides a fire resistance time of 30 to 150 minutes, helping to minimize damage and ensure safety for people and property in emergencies.

However, the high cost makes this type of coating often used in specific projects such as industrial factories, chemical warehouses, or important steel structures. This is an investment that brings long-term results, minimizing the risk of damage and disruption due to fire and explosion.

5. Orientation for the Development of Intumescent Coatings in the Future

Intumescent coatings are increasingly asserting their important role in ensuring the safety of construction projects and industry. With the trend of urbanization and infrastructure expansion globally, the demand for effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly fire protection products is increasing. The application of new coating technologies, such as VOC-free coatings, is being promoted to meet strict requirements for environmental protection while minimizing negative impacts on human health.

The integration of advanced features such as anti-bacterial, thermal insulation, and enhanced protection performance will be an important step forward, expanding the range of applications from civil and commercial projects to industrial sectors. specific industries such as oil and gas, aviation, and transportation. In a context where fire and explosion risks are still a major concern in Vietnam, the application of intumescent coating solutions not only helps protect property and human lives but also contributes to the sustainable development strategy, enhancing the value of the project.

To better understand the latest coating trends, cutting-edge technology and effective coating products, attending industry events is an important step. Exhibitions like Coatings Vietnam 2025 are not only a place to connect businesses but also provide opportunities to access innovative solutions, green technology trends, and a network of industry-leading experts. This is an opportunity for Vietnamese and international businesses to seek new directions to improve the effectiveness of intumescent coating applications, towards a safer and more sustainable future.