Production and Characterization of Fire-Retardant Coating Materials Using Gum Arabic for Cellulose Surfaces

Abstract

Background and Objective: Fire retardants are substances that are applied to the surface of any combustible base which can delay the spread of fire or keep the structure intact against fire, thereby allowing sufficient time for safety measures to be taken. In this study, the production and chemical characterization of fire-retardant paint was achieved.

Materials and Methods: The components used in the production of the paint include: Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, Melamine, Urea, Gum Arabic, and paint base. The coating was prepared by blending all the components. Agilent Technology Cary 630 Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) analyzer was used to determine the structural characterization of the fire-retardant paint. A Horizontal burning test following the ASTMD635-75 standard procedure was employed to evaluate the flammability properties of the coated samples. The pH of the paint was determined with the aid of a pH meter. Density and percentage weight gain of the coated materials were also carried out.

Results: The results obtained showed the density of the paint to have values ranging from 1.046 g/cm3 to 1.066 g/cm3  while the pH values range from 5.05 to 4.90. The FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of -NH2  amide group, C=O carbonyl group, C=C conjugated structure, C-O Stretching of inorganic carbonate, CH Aliphatic group, and C-O of carbohydrate. The Flammability measurement showed the burning rate to range from 2.227 mm/s to 1.25 mm/s. The ignition times were found to range from 3 to 4 s. The flame spread test values range from 6 to 8 s.

Conclusion: From the results of the burning analyses, level 4 had the highest flame-retardant properties. There is a clear difference in the ignition time and burning rate of the coated samples compared to the uncoated reference.