An innovative intumescent fire retardant paint keeps flames and fumes at bay for up to two hours THE phrase "spreading like wildfire" should not be taken lightly in case of a real fire. As soon as an ignition source is flared in the proximity of fuel and oxygen, not only does a fire begin, but it will spread very dramatically and rapidly too, moving from a mere flickering spark into a blazing disaster in a matter of minutes. Fires spread in the way heat travels, through direct contact between materials and via electromagnetic waves reaching an object which absorbs it before combusting. As in many recent Malaysian fire tragedies claiming lives and destroying properties, many factors lead to uncontrollable blazes. From construction materials to on-site stores and walls or doors, the lack of fire protection for all these, can lead to fire spreading faster. However, if these walls and doors can withstand the intense heat and instant damage from a fire, there may be a chance to put out the flames and save lives and structures.

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The material is designed to prevent fires from breaking out and spreading uncontrollably. After a certain level of heat, from its 2mm thickness, the paint can swell up to many times its thickness. And it does not catch fire even when the temperature rises. According to Faiz, despite a raging fire, a structure will still stand without collapsing, and without releasing toxic fumes. Market studies show a demand for this type of paint that protects the structure. One of the University's collaborators, Ramakrishnan Meenakshi Sundaram, Chief Technical and Operations Officer, TPG Oil & Gas (M) Sdn Bhd, says it's a huge advantage that the product is locally produced. "The cost is lower, quality is high, and vending and production capabilities will be more pronounced," he adds, pleased with his role of introducing the product to the market. Faiz is understandably pleased with this invention. In a small, crowded office crammed with books, he points to a few shiny square tiles laid out on a side table. These compact sample tiles, coated in muted shades of intumescent fire retardant paint, will radically change the way fire is controlled within a structure, he says.

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Prevention and Containment: The intumescent paint is designed to prevent fires from breaking out and spreading uncontrollably. It swells up to many times its thickness when exposed to high heat, providing a barrier that prevents the fire from penetrating steel, concrete, or plastic surfaces.

Cost-Effective Production: The paint is locally produced in Malaysia, which lowers costs while maintaining high quality. This makes it more affordable compared to imported alternatives.

Advanced Technology: The paint represents a breakthrough in fire retardant technology, achieved after a decade of rigorous testing and experimentation. This positions Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) and its collaborators at the forefront of fire safety innovation.

Sustainable Development: The paint is part of a broader commitment to sustainable development, combining safety, cost-efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

Time to Evacuate: The paint keeps flames and fumes at bay for up to two hours, giving occupants enough time to evacuate the premises safely. This can significantly reduce casualties in case of a fire.

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The intumescent fire retardant paint developed by Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) has significant market potential due to its advanced fire protection capabilities, providing up to two hours of resistance against flames and fumes. Its non-toxic composition and lack of primer requirement make it an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution, appealing to both residential and commercial sectors. With growing global fire safety regulations and heightened awareness, the demand for such innovative fire protection products is on the rise. Local production in Malaysia offers a competitive price advantage, and strong interest from international and local companies further underscores its commercial viability, making it a promising addition to the global fire safety market.