Fire-Proof Coatings

Scientists are developing plant-based fire retardants, which should be less toxic and more eco-friendly.

​Wood is an established and versatile construction material, used to build everything from high-rises and airports to apartment buildings. It also, however, is not immune to catching fire. A new coating could help keep that from happening, and it's actually made from wood.

​Given that they're applied to items such as furniture and home insulation, it would really be best if flame-retardant coatings didn't emit toxic fumes. That's why scientists from Texas A and M University have developed a non-toxic alternative, made from natural renewable materials.

​Researchers have come up with a “fire alarm wallpaper” which can detect a house fire, but also sound an alarm and even help to restrict the spread of fire. It's made from hydroxyapatite, which occurs in bone and teeth. However, the wallpaper’s real smarts are down to an ink-based on graphene oxide.

Nearly 20 percent of home fire deaths between 2006 and 2010 occurred in fires where upholstered furniture was the first item to ignite. With that in mind, scientists have used carbon nanotubes to create a coating for furniture foam, that reduces its flammability by 35 percent.

HIPS is a new fire-proof coating that can be painted on yet withstand temperatures up to 1830°F (1000°C).