Tailored polymers: Intumescent coatings

Abstract Intumescent coatings, applied in the form of a paint, are dependent upon three agents within the paint formulation. The interaction of these agents results in the formation of a rigid carbonaceous foam when the paint is exposed to fire and this acts as a heat barrier. This inter-action is critical and this paper describes some of the associated problems in connection with the formulation and use of intumescent paints.