Experimental Analysis & Study of Intumescent Flame Retardant Coating for Polymeric Material Using LOI & Cone Calorimetry

The fire behavior of polymeric materials remains a critical concern in applications requiring enhanced safety against ignition and fire growth. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), despite its widespread use, exhibits unfavorable fire characteristics under sustained heat exposure. This research paper presents an experimental evaluation of a surface- applied flame-retardant coating on PVC, with particular focus on the influence of coating thickness on fire performance. A comparative analysis between uncoated and coated PVC samples is conducted using cone calorimeter testing and Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) measurements. Key fire parameters related to ignition resistance, heat release, and combustion stability are examined to assess the effectiveness of the coating. The results demonstrate a clear improvement in fire performance for coated specimens, including delayed ignition and reduced heat release. However, the enhancement does not increase proportionally with coating thickness, indicating diminishing returns beyond an optimal thickness. The findings emphasize the importance of thickness optimization in flame-retardant coatings and provide practical insight for improving passive fire protection strategies for polymeric materials in fire-sensitive applications.