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Viewing report
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U.S. Intumescent Coatings Markets
Frost & Sullivan, Oct 2005
Performing Time Consuming and Expensive Fire TestsIntumescent coatings usually have to go through a series of fire tests in order to qualify for certain applications and get certified from recognized authorities such as the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL).These fire tests and in some cases additional environmental tests are performed to ensure these products perform their required fire protection levels. Usually, these tests are very expensive and could cost as high as several million dollars. Intumescent coating manufacturers usually perform several preliminary tests in-house to ensure they have an appropriate product for a suitable application, and then go for UL testings. For instance, there are several small scale testings that the companies can perform to look at the reactivity of their materials, and then based on the results they can decide whether it is worthwhile to go for a large scale test.
These tests usually call for a lot of time and huge expenses for the intumescent coatings manufacturers. Moreover, the increase in the number of testing requirements and approvals for a particular product to be qualified for different applications makes it all the more difficult for intumescent coatings manufacturers. For these reasons, this factor was identified as the most important challenge faced by intumescent coatings manufacturers. Aesthetic and Durability Advantages of Intumescent Coatings Drive SalesIntumescent coatings are increasingly preferred over other passive fire protection materials for their aesthetic and durabiltiy benefits. They are applied in a relatively lesser thicknesses compared to other fire-protective materials and are used as highly durable materials for protection against both hydrocarbon and cellulosic type fires. They are also easy to apply on complex structures, and are easy to repair, and easy to clean. Thin-film intumescent coatings, in particular, could be applied less thick than traditional intumescent coatings or alternative fire protection materials including gypsum based, sprayed fibers, or light-weight cementitious fire proofing products. Building designers and architects are increasingly preferring thin-film coatings for their high dimensional flexibility and greater aesthetic value. Thin-film intumescent coatings are heavily used to protect exposed structural steel in contemporary buildings and have become the fastest growing passive fire protection systems in the United States. These coatings are able to match the required hourly fire rating as well as preserve the desired appearance of the steel structures. Development of New Generation Intumescent Coatings is Expected to Fuel Future GrowthThere is an ever growing need for light-weight, fast-drying, highly durable, and low-cost fireproofing materials in both light industrial and commercial applications. Intumescent coatings manufacturers have tried to address this need by continuously developing new products. Though, the cost of intumescent coatings are still relatively higher than traditional cementitious fireproofing materials, the durability, ease of application, and savings in application time achieved by some of the newer generation products make them attractive alternatives. The new generation intumescent coatings are expected to be more cost-efficient, versatile in application, fast-drying, safe to use, and easy to apply. The developments in this thin-film intumescent coating technology is expected to significantly drive the overall demand for light industrial and commercial intumescent coatings in the future.
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