New study shows how lignin enhances the fire-retardant properties of water-based acrylic emulsions.<\/p>\n
A recent study published in the Journal of Coatings Technology and Research investigates the effectiveness of intumescent coatings based on water-based acrylic resin and alkaline lignin for flame retardancy on plywood. Testing various lignin concentrations (1%, 3%, 5%, and 10%), the researchers found that a 5% concentration optimally promoted a stable, protective char layer during combustion. This moderate amount of lignin significantly reduced flammability, providing enhanced protection.<\/p>\n
The EC Tech Report Water-borne Coatings provides you with all you need to know about the transition from solvent-based to water-borne coatings. Loaded with handpicked content from the European Coatings Journal, videos from conferences, well as our most-read books, it provides unique insights into how to meet customers\u2019 expectations and legal requirements at the same time. Covering the basics of water-borne systems, multiple technical articles also discuss special wetting and dispersing additives, rheological properties and also biocide-free alternatives.<\/p>\n
Using advanced analysis techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), the research team explored the chemical structure of the intumescent coatings. They confirmed that carbon-phosphorus bonds were especially stable and fire-resistant with a lignin concentration of 5%. Higher concentrations, however, reduced the protective effect due to weakened char formation.<\/p>\n
The study highlights the importance of natural fire retardant additives like lignin as a sustainable alternative to synthetic additives. By using targeted concentrations, high fire protection can be achieved without compromising material integrity.<\/p>\n
Source: Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, Volume 21, pages 611\u2013622 (2024)<\/p>\n