Hempel launched two new intumescent coatings for passive protection of steel structures in cellulosic fires. With the introduction of the new coatings, Hempel can now offer customers a full package coating solution for protecting buildings, including industrial halls, public buildings, stadiums, airports and supermarkets.
Lars Risum, business development manager for Passive Fire Protection at Hempel, believes that the introduction of Hempel’s intumescent range will be extremely beneficial for customers.

“Previously, many customers have chosen Hempel primers and topcoats because they offer superior corrosion protection and application benefits, but they have then been forced to go to a second supplier for their intumescent coatings. Now they can get the full solution from us, which will make the specification and application process easier,” he said.

At present, Hempel’s intumescent range includes two one-component solvent-borne acrylic coatings: Hempacore One is specified for on-site applications; Hempacore One FD is specified for off-site applications and has a very fast drying time. Both coatings provide up to 120 minutes of fire protection in cellulosic fires and have shown very good performance in official fire tests.

The two new products are just the first offerings in Hempel’s new intumescent range. The company has invested in intumescent development since 2009, and is dedicated to developing more intumescent products and expanding its offering to customers.

“In recent weathering tests conducted by Hempel, Hempacore One outperformed other products on the market in terms of durability,” Risum added. “Durability is often overlooked for intumescent products and systems, but we’re determined to focus on it, because greater durability means a longer service life and less maintenance. And more importantly, a durable intumescent coating system is much more likely to perform better in a fire – and this can help save lives.”