CSIRO researchers in Melbourne are developing new fire-resistant coating materials called HIPS (‘hybrid inorganic polymer system’) which are derived from geopolymers which can be found in industrial by-products such as flyash and blast furnace slag.
HIPS coatings can withstand temperatures of over 1000°C compared to current commercial coatings used on building materials and structures which break down at between 150-250°C.
HIPS coatings contain an inorganic geopolymer resin, and a small component of polymer additives.
Project leader, Dr Damian Fullston of CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering, says the coatings are not only fire-, blast- and acid-resistant, they are also strong, castable, sprayable, and extrudable, making their potential uses almost limitless.
The organisation is seeking coatings manufacturers interested in partnership with CSIRO to customise HIPS to meet product specifications for selected applications.
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