Analysis of thermal performance of mica-mineral reinforced intumescent coating for structural steel application

Abstract

Intumescent coating reinforce mica was developed and studied in terms of their physical appearance, thermal properties, composition, and morphology. 6 samples, including control formulation, were developed by varying percentage of mica to binder from 0 to 5%. Control fire test shows an increase of expansion when the percentage of mica increases but decreases when more than 4% of mica was used. The thermal stability of the samples with 3% mica was improved with a degradation rate of 0.047 wt.%/min compared to the control formulation 0.091wt%/min suggested coming from silicon phosphate oxide composition emerged on XRD analysis. Silicon phosphate oxide was known to enhance the antioxidation of the char and thermal stability of the char. A homogenous surface with a smaller pore was also observed on the char structure of MC3 coming from the ceramization process, which creates a ceramics layer on the surface, thus improve the insulation properties of the coating.