HIPS: New Fireproof Coatings That Withstand Over 1000 Degree Celsius Temperatures

CSIRO researchers in Melbourne are developing tough fire-resistant coating materials called 'hybrid inorganic polymer system'. HIPS is tailored to withstand temperatures of over 1000 degrees Celsius.

Current commercial coatings used on building materials and structures break down at between 150-250 degrees C.

How To Maximize Carbon Sequestration In Catastrophic Forest Fires
Forestry researchers at Oregon State University (OSU) have come out with a new report catastrophic forest fires.

HIPS coatings contain an inorganic geopolymer resin, and a small component of polymer additives.

According to project leader Dr Damian Fullston of CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering, "They are not only fire-, blast- and acid-resistant, they are also strong, castable, sprayable, and extrudable, making their potential uses almost limitless."

"Geopolymers are an emerging class of ceramic-like inorganic polymers produced at room temperatures that have the potential to transform the building products industry," he said.

On 4th July, Eco-Friendly 'Green Fireworks' Would Brighten American Skies
This time, the 4th of July will see 'green fireworks' brighten the skies in an eco-friendly way in the US.

"They are not only fire-, blast- and acid-resistant, they are also strong, castable, sprayable, and extrudable, making their potential uses almost limitless," he explained.

"The polymer additives in HIPS improve the flexibility and waterproofing properties, and provide stronger adhesion, which are important properties for a coating," he added.

Soon, Eco-Friendly Fireworks To Save the Earth
A team of scientists is working on a new generation of eco friendly pyrotechnics that produce less smoke and use fewer toxic metals.

HIPS has the potential to form thin fireproof coatings on timbers such as weatherboards, and on metals such as structural or galvanised steel. It can also protect brickwork, either as a thin coating or as a render.

HIPS can be applied by spray equipment, roller or brush, and cures from ambient temperature to below 90 degrees C.

Social Networking Sites To Give Bushfire Alerts Down Under
Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter will soon be used in Australia to give people early warning of bushfires, which killed 173 people in February.

As water-based products, HIPS coatings are free of volatile organic compounds, do not burn or produce heat, and do not release smoke or toxic chemicals at temperatures up to 1200 degrees C.

The strength of HIPS materials is comparable with that of phenolic resins in heat-sensitive applications, but HIPS retains higher strength at higher temperatures.

HIPS formulations are tailored to be interchangeable with phenolic resins, and have higher fatigue resistance than normal phenolics.

Source-ANI
TAN