Fire barrier based on expanded perlite composites

Abstract

Decreased strength of building materials as a result of flame impingement (e.g. during a fire) is one of major threats in the construction branch. For these reasons, the effectiveness of fire safety systems in various kinds of facilities or structures is extremely important. One of the determinants of this effectiveness is so-called fire insulation, i.e. time expressed in minutes after which an increase in the temperature of a protected structure or facility exceeds a certain admissible value (140 °C). The results of investigations presented in the article concern the determination of the effect of various mineral binders used in the manufacture of insulation boards from expanded perlite on fire resistance and, in consequence, on extending the time of fire insulation in the conditions of cellulose and hydrocarbon fire. The conducted research has revealed that the fire resistance of perlite products can be modelled by selecting adequate mineral binders, with respect to specific applications and economic considerations. Insulation boards based on expanded perlite – depending on the binder used – were characterized by a fire insulation ranging (with a board thickness of 50 mm) from 50 to 100 minutes in the conditions of cellulose fire and from 20 to 30 minutes in the conditions of hydrocarbon fire.