PPG Introduces Waterborne STEELGUARD Coatings

PPG’s protective and marine coatings business has introduced STEELGUARD 601 and STEELGUARD 651 waterborne thin-film intumescent coatings, which minimize environmental impact and deliver up to 120 minutes of cellulosic fire protection.

The new STEELGUARD waterborne range by PPG is formulated to reflect modern building design, where structural steel demands high performance from a protective coating system. In addition to a smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish that protects the structure against corrosion, coatings must also maintain the steel’s stability in the event of a fire.

These highly protective intumescent coatings are designed to expand at high temperatures, from a very thin, lightweight film into a thick foam-like layer that forms an insulation char protecting the steel from cellulosic fire. The heat insulation properties of these coatings maintain the steel’s stability, providing up to 120 minutes of fire protection at temperatures ranging from 350 C (660 F) to 750 C (1380 F).

“PPG has worked closely with architects and designers around the world, and we understand the pressures to specify ‘greener’ products which are also highly effective in maintaining structural stability,” said Jason Wall, PPG global cellulosic passive fire protection (PFP) manager. “By investing in research and development of this waterborne intumescent technology that contributes to a greener and safer environment, we can also buy additional time for people to escape and firefighters to arrive, saving lives and limiting damage to buildings and assets.”

STEELGUARD 601 and STEELGUARD 651 single-pack waterborne coatings have a high volume of solids, very low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and low odor, thus providing a healthier atmosphere for workers. These benefits should enable application to take place while the building is in use or still under construction with minimal disruption to other on-site installers.

Both coatings have been tested and certified to the latest international standards and comply with the most stringent environmental regulations, such as EN 13381-8:2013 and BS476 Parts 20/21. They also meet requirements for ISO 12944-2 C1* and C2 internal environments and ETAG 018-2 Z2* and Z1 and Y durability categories.

To ensure that designers and contractors can make full use the coatings, PPG engineers are available globally to provide expertise in intumescent fire protection and advise on the relevant industry standards and fire ratings. PPG has the engineering capability to support clients in the early stages of development, guiding them through the specification process and providing support through to project completion and beyond.