Effects of biomaterial on thermal-mechanical properties of waterborne fireproof coatings for steel structure

Biomaterial was used to improve the properties of the fireproof coating to ensure the safe evacuation of occupants once the fire accident occurred. The effects of biomaterial on the properties of the coatings were investigated by fire protection test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limited oxygen index (LOI), UL-94 vertical test, water resistance test, mechanical properties test. The carbon layers after the fire protection test were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to discuss the microstructure and chemical composition. The result showed the coating with 6% silk fibroin demonstrate best fire protection, thermal stability, fire retardant, water resistance. The backside temperature is only 255.9 o C and the residual weight is 37.52%. However, the coating with 4% silk fibroin exhibits good mechanical properties.