Modification of intumescent coatings using multilayer carbon nanotubes: physico-technological principles and method of application on the pipeline transport facilities

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of the study was to physically substantiate the principles of modification of thin-layer intu­mescent coatings by controlling their electrophysical characteristics and to develop a technique to improve the fire retardant efficiency of modern fire retardants with varying parameters of the volume fraction of functionalized multilayer carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Materials. The materials used in fire retardant intumescent paint “Thermal barrier”, the production of NPK “OgneHimZashchita” modified by MWCNT. Experimental part. The experimental part included a study by the method of synchronous thermal analysis, the measurement of the dielectric constant, determination of adhesion and the study of electrification when ap­plied, a fire retardant metal. Results and discussion . Modification of fire retardants due to the introduction of MWCNT in concentrations of 0.1…1.25 % by vol. allows to improve the performance of nanomaterials by increasing the thermal stability of ­fire retardants at a concentration of nanoparticles up to 0.5 % by vol. In this case, the mass loss of the modified MWCNT sample occurs on average 20–30 % slower in comparison with the unmodified sample. There is an in­crease in the strength of intumescent fire retardant composition (IFRC) to 40 %. When electrophysical action ­occurs ordering MWCNT in the material, and also reduces the electric field generated by applying the modified composition on average by 40–50 %. Conclusion. Modification of MWCNT fire retardants leads to an increase in adhesive strength and increase in thermal resistance of IFRC, provided the stability of nanostructures in the material. The proposed technology of ­application of modified intumescent fire retardants at pipeline transport facilities ­should include elements of preparation of the modifying additive and its stabilization to improve the quality characteristics of the fire retardants with MWCNT.