Leading coatings manufacturer Hempel has announced the launch of a new range of
intumescent coatings for passive fire protection of steel structures. The launch means
that Hempel now offers the complete range of protective coatings, including both fire
protection and corrosion protection.
During September, 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 says.
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.
Lars Risum believes Hempel's experience with protective coatings will give the range an edge
over competitors.
"In recent weathering tests conducted by Hempel, HEMPACORE ONE outperformed other
products on the market in terms of durability. 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."
Both HEMPACORE ONE and HEMPACORE ONE FD are approved to the European standard
EN13381-8 and are already available in Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the UK,
Greece, Italy, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Soon other countries will also benefit from
the product range.
About Hempel
The Hempel Group is a leader in the production and sale of protective coatings within the
Marine, Container, Yacht, Decorative and Protective market segments. Hempel has factories,
sales offices, research and development centres, and stock points strategically located around
the world.
Source: Hempel