Envirograf recent fire test on aluminum composite panels proved successful with the protection of the water-based, fire-resistant coating. The first test piece, held in a vice with 2 pieces of softwood on the back, tested the integrity of the composite panel.
A bench test using a triple-headed gas burning torch over the aluminum composite panel heated at 700°C. The panel continued to burn for 60 minutes in total.
The flames did not ignite the core, and therefore the wood samples remained intact and unburnt. A few layers of fire-resistant coating successfully protected the composite panel.
Fire testing of aluminum composite
Occupants in multi-complex buildings with aluminum composite panels benefit from fire-resistant paint
The second fire testing of aluminum composite consisted of a second-panel sample, coated in fire-resistant paint and placed in the furnace. Using 13mm plasterboard pads on the edges, thus allowing cold air to pass and flames from the furnace to breakthrough. The total duration of this test was 36 minutes.
Coated panels provide at least 45 minutes of fire integrity from both sides. This gives ample time for the occupants to evacuate the building and also for fire rescue services to arrive on the scene.
The aluminum remained in the furnace for a further 30 minutes, thus exposed to heat for 50 minutes in total. When tapped with tools, the aluminum face remained rigid and intact. Occupants living within multi-complex buildings clad in aluminum composite panels will benefit from applications of fire-resistant paint.