Intumescent Fire Retardant Research Articles

Effect of Organic–Inorganic Mixed Intumescent Flame Retardants on Fire-Retardant Coatings

Expandable graphite (EG) was modified with a charring agent and organic–inorganic hybridized intumescent flame retardants (MEG) were synthesized. This study uses a cone calorimeter (CCT) and a DaqPRO 5300 radiation heat flow meter (Fourtec, Tel Aviv, Israel) to evaluate the fire-resistant properties influenced by MEG on intumescent fire-retardant coatings. The impact of MEG on the thermal degradation of these coatings was investigated through the use of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results obtained by CCT demonstrated that the incorporation of MEG markedly diminished the heat release rate and total heat release rate of the coating, in addition to enhancing the char residue compared to coatings with only expandable graphite (EG). Furthermore, TGA results demonstrate that adding MEG increases the weight of the char residue at elevated temperatures, suggesting improved thermal stability. Based on these findings, MEG exhibits a synergistic flame-retardant effect when combined with intumescent fire-retardant (IFR) systems. This synergy not only improves the flame-retardant properties of the coatings but also enhances their overall thermal stability, making MEG a promising additive for developing more efficient fire-retardant materials. Thus, MEG-modified coatings offer superior protection against fire hazards, highlighting their potential for practical applications in fire safety.

Synergistic effect of phytic acid and eggshell bio-fillers on the dual-phase fire-retardancy of intumescent coatings applied on cellulosic substrates

Cellulosic substrates, including wood and thatch, have become icons for sustainable architecture and construction, however, they suffer from high flammability because of their inherent cellulosic composition. Current control measures for such hazards include applying intumescent fire-retardant (IFR) coatings that swell and form a char layer upon ignition, protecting the underlying substrate from burning. Typically, conventional IFR coatings are opaque and are made of halogenated compounds that release toxic fumes when ignited, compromising the roofing's aesthetic value and sustainability. In this work, phytic acid, a naturally occurring phosphorus source extracted from rice bran, was used to synthesize phytic acid-based fire-retardants (PFR) via esterification under reflux, along with powdered chicken eggshells (CES) as calcium carbonate (CaCO3) bio-filler. These components were incorporated into melamine formaldehyde resin to produce the transparent IFR coating. It was revealed that the developed IFR coatings achieved the highest fire protection rating based on UL94 flammability standards compared to the control. The coatings also yielded increased LOI values, indicative of self-extinguishing properties. A 17 °C elevation of the IFR coating's melting temperature and a significant ∼172% increase in enthalpy change from the control were observed, indicating enhanced fire-retardancy. The thermal stability of the coatings was improved, denoted by reduced mass losses, and increased residual masses after thermal degradation. As validated by microscopy and spectroscopy, the abundance of phosphorus and carbon groups in the coatings' condensed phase after combustion indicates enhanced char formation. In the gas phase, TG-FTIR showed the evolution of non-flammable CO2, and fire-retardant PO and P–O–C. Mechanical property testing confirmed no reduction in the adhesion strength of the IFR coating. With these results, the developed IFR coating exhibited enhanced fire-retardancy whilst remaining optically transparent, suggestive of a dual-phase IFR protective mechanism involving the release of gaseous combustion diluents and the formation of a thermally insulating char layer.

Effect of graphene on properties of acrylic emulsion intumescent fire retardant coating

Nowadays, intumescent paint is one of the most popular fireproof paint products and is widely used in buildings. They can be applied to steel, wood, concrete, etc. This study aimed to enhance the properties of intumescent coating by graphene addition. The effect of graphene (GR) content on fire resistance, thermal and mechanical properties of water-based intumescent coatings were studied. Intumescent coating formulations include acrylic emulsion binder (R4152), flame retardant additives (Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) - acid source, pentaerythritol (PER) - carbon source, melamine (MEL) - foaming source), fire retardant fillers (TiO2, Al(OH)3) were prepared by mixing different graphene content (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 wt.% GR). The investigated coating properties were examined by fire protection test, furnace test, static water immersion test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and mechanical properties (adhesion, pendulum hardness). The results showed that the GR could effectively enhance the fire resistance performance (from 13.6 % to 23.4 %), thermal stability (from 2.9 % to 5.2 %), water resistance (from 5.0 % to 11.9 %), and mechanical properties (from 5 % to 12 %) of the coating.

Tannic acid's role as both char former and blowing agent in epoxy‐based intumescent fire retardants

AbstractA novel intumescent fire‐retardant coating formulation has been developed by taking advantage of the inherent stability of large cyclic polyphenols (e.g., tannic acid) to remove the need for a dedicated blowing agent, specifically melamine. Cone calorimetry data indicate a lower fire growth rate (FIGRA) (5.0 ± 1.3 vs. 2.4 ± 0.7 kW m−2 s−1) upon removal of melamine. Total smoke release (TSR) increases following this removal (178 ± 21.4 vs. 305 ± 13.2 m2 m−2), which indicates the role of tannic acid in gas generation. Thermogravimetric analysis resulted in similar residue yield from the examined systems (36 ± 1.3% vs. 34 ± 1.7%) despite removal of a dedicated blowing agent. These results indicate that tannic acids multistep degradation allows it to behave as both a char forming and blowing agent in intumescent systems. The observed reduction of acid loading between the melamine‐tannin system and the melamine‐free composition (15.6% vs. 10.6% wt. ammonium polyphosphate, respectively) is also significant. Tannic acid occurs in agricultural waste products, which is encouraging for the pursuit of sustainable chemistry and addressing potential adverse health effects in humans combined with reducing the overall phosphorous loading.Highlights Melamine was removed from the intumescent without compromising stability. The resulting intumescent char was stronger despite less expansion. Tannic acid is attributed as both the charring and blowing agent. The tannin‐based coating requires a lower acid loading for similar performance.

Is titania acting as a synergist in intumescent fire retardant coatings designed for improving reaction to fire of wood?

Intumescent coatings based on ammonium polyphosphate (APP), are widely applied as passive fire protection. For flammable materials like wood, a rapid char expansion is needed to limit fuel gas release to the combustion zone and minimize reaction to fire. It is generally accepted that titanium dioxide (TiO2) improves the fire performance of coatings and acts as a synergist. This study discusses the role of TiO2 in intumescent coatings by investigation of real-time measurement of char expansion during heating, rheology, thermal analysis, cone calorimetry, and chemical composition by X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy under different TiO2 loadings. Results show that TiO2 enhance the rate of char expansion despite increased complex viscosity of the molten coating matrix. Further, thermal decomposition and onset of intumescent reactions remained unchanged by increased TiO2 loading which results in a lower final char height. Altogether, TiO2 acts as an incombustible filler reducing char expansion and not fulfilling the definition of a synergist in intumescent coatings for improving reaction to fire of wooden products.

Intumescent fire‐retardant performance and small‐scale reaction mechanism on banana/bio‐epoxy composites

AbstractThe present work deals with the thermal degradation, the physical characterization, and kinetic mechanisms of green epoxy resin‐based biocomposites (BC) reinforced by banana leaf fiber (BLF). The two main samples have been manufactured using the vacuum bag resin transfer molding method. The first, BLF‐based BC, is used as a control sample, while the second sample is coated with 6% wt. of intumescent fire retardant (IFR), which contains APP and boric acid. The effect of IFR coating has been investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) under inert and oxidative atmospheres and kinetic studies of model‐free and model‐based approaches have been applied for predicting the kinetic parameters of thermal degradation reactions. The TGA results show that the IFR coating delays the thermal degradation around 13–20 K of BLF‐based BC materials, which leads to an increase of 8% in the char residue under inert atmosphere. In addition, the sample has been characterized by SEM, EDS, and FTIR analysis (before and after the TGA test). The effectiveness of the IFR protective role is displayed on the SEM micrographs by showing the hole of the char enclosed and built the foam layer. The kinetic parameters from model‐free and model‐based curve fitting of BLF‐based BC and BLF‐based BC‐coated IFR are obtained, while the effect of IFR on the kinetic parameter increased the activation energy (model‐free and model‐based) under inert atmosphere. The fitting methods and optimization procedure gave excellent results for kinetic parameters, showing a particularly good correspondence with the TGA experimental data.

Experimental analysis of the effect of natural fibers and SiC filler on the thermal behavior of green biocomposites

AbstractThe present work deals with the thermal behavior investigation of new biocomposite materials intended to be used for process engineering applications. Particular attention is given to the thermal degradation of such materials. Thermal characterization at different scales is performed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and cone calorimeter experiments. The main purpose is to compare the thermal behavior of new bamboo‐based and banana‐based Green Biocomposites (GBCs). An intumescent fire retardant (IFR) coating, which is a mixture of APP and boric acid was applied on the GBC sample surface to study the flame retardancy. The GBC samples was first manufactured using a vacuum resin transfer molding. TGA results showed that bamboo‐based (BM‐GBC) and banana‐based (Bn‐GBC) materials exhibits similar thermal degradation pattern. While cone calorimeter experiments revealed that BM‐GBC outperforms than Bn‐GBC. The IFR coating improved the flame retardancy of both GBCs by reducing the heat release rate as well as a noticeable reduction in terms of smoke emission. Finally, to improve the thermal stability of Bn‐GBC material, SiC powder is added as a filler. The IFR coating and SiC powder addition promotes considerably the thermal behavior of Bn‐GBC materials.

Effects of Processing Conditions on the Properties of Monoammonium Phosphate Microcapsules with Melamine-Formaldehyde Resin Shell.

To develop monoammonium phosphate (MAP) as a novel acid source for durable intumescent fire retardants (IFR), MAP microcapsules (MCMAPs) containing MAP as the internal core and melamine-formaldehyde (MF) as the external shell were prepared by in situ polymerization in this study. The influences of synthesis conditions (including reaction temperature, polymerization time, and reaction pH value) on the properties of obtained MCMAPs (MAP content, yield, morphologies, and thermal properties) were then investigated systematically. The morphologies, chemical structures, and thermal properties were characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry analyzer (TGA). The results show that MAP was well encapsulated by MF resin. No microcapsules are obtained at <55 °C or with polymerization times <1 h. Optimal preparation conditions of reaction temperature, polymerization time, and reaction pH value are 75 °C, 3 h, and 5.5, respectively. Those results provide process reference and theoretical basis for preparing MCMAPs and could promote the application of MAP microcapsules in wood flame-retardant materials.

Synergetic modification of graphitic carbon nitride by Zr-based metal-organic framework and tetraethoxysilane for improving fire performance in composite coatings

In this study, in an attempt to get an excellent flame retardant, herein, a new nanofiller (CNP@UiO-66@TEOS) with polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a crosslinker, Zr-based metal-organic framework (UiO-66) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) modified graphitic carbon nitride (CN) was synthesized. Different characterization tests confirmed the successful preparation of CNP@UiO-66@TEOS. Then, CNP@UiO-66@TEOS was doped into intumescent fire retardant (IFR) coating by solution blending method and the coating (CNP@UiO-66@TEOS/EP) was gained after curing. As expected, the CNP@UiO-66@TEOS significantly improved the fire performance of the IFR coating. The coating (CNP@UiO-66@TEOS/EP) with the addition of 2 wt% CNP@UiO-66@TEOS reduced the backside temperature by 102.9 °C over that of pure EP, proving enhanced flame retardancy. Meanwhile, CNP@UiO-66@TEOS/EP achieved the highest expansion height (21.5 mm) in the furnace experiment, contributing to a lower heat transfer ratio. In addition, the thermogravimetric analysis revealed an increase in residual char content to 31.84 wt%, which helped to resist external heat penetration. Cone calorimeter testing (CCT) showed that the peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release rate (THR), peak smoke production rate (PSPR), total smoke production (TSP), peak CO production rate (PCOPR), and peak CO2 production rate (PCO2PR) of CNP@UiO-66@TEOS/EP were reduced by 29 %, 19 %, 35 %, 37 %, 36 %, and 19 %, respectively, compared to pure EP, demonstrating the improved flame retardancy and smoke suppression properties. The results indicated that CN formed a thermal barrier at a high temperature and UiO-66 generated zirconium oxide (ZrO2) to catalyze the formation of residual char, thus producing a barrier effect. The TEOS on the UiO-66 surface further decomposed to form a silicon network to enhance the char layer strength of the composite. The synergistic outcome of CN, UiO-66, and TEOS offers potential avenues for the development of efficient IFR coating.

Fire Resistance of a Building Element with Intumescent Fire Protection: Standard Assessment and Express Analysis

Introduction. The paper considers the problem of fire resistance assessment of building structures with intumescent fire protection. For the results reliability, a fire test should be carried out only when the intumescent coating at the facility is ready, which will make it possible to detect hidden factors of violation of its quality and prevent collapse in case of a possible fire. The work objective is to test the express analysis of intumescent coatings in comparison with standard methods for fire resistance assessment.Materials and Methods. The elements of building structures covered with fire-resistant intumescent paint Defender M Solvent with different diluent content were studied. The fire resistance of the coatings was determined by two methods. The first one is an express analysis. The following indicators were recorded:– general appearance of the coked cellular material (CCM);– swelling coefficient;– CCM compressive and shear-tear strength of the boundary layer.The second one is a standard approach according to the requirements of ISO 834-75 (GOST 30247.0-94). The indicators were:– time to reach the critical temperature;– critical deflection during heating.Results. In addition to the above indicators, testing also took into account the amount of diluent. The CCM swelling coefficient, CCM compression force, tensile strength and density were considered. The revealed patterns are systematized in a table. The obtained indicators were compared with the technical requirements for the material. The period during which the steel substrate of the sample reaches a critical temperature is recorded. It is established that with an increase in this time, the coefficient of swelling of the protective layer (CCM) and its shear-tear strength increases. At the same time, the values of compressive strength and CCM density decrease. When the intumescent paint is diluted beyond the norm, the fire protection parameters deteriorate and the fire resistance limit R45 is not reached. The research results are visualized in the form of diagrams. They confirm that the express analysis makes it possible to reasonably judge the suitability or unsuitability of the paint for fire protection, if the required fire resistance limit is R45.Discussion and Conclusions. In comparison with the results of the application of standard techniques, the effectiveness of the express analysis technique and the correctness of the results of the assessment of intumescent fire protection were confirmed. In construction conditions, an express CCM analysis will be sufficient to determine the quality of an intumescent fire retardant coating.

Effect of fire-retardant coating on bamboo and banana-based biocomposites: A comparative study thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimeter tests

In this work, a thermal behaviour comparison of a new bamboo-based and banana-based Green Bio-Composites (GBC) is conducted using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and cone-calorimeter experiments. An Intumescent Fire-Retardant (IFR) coating (a mixture of Exolit IFR36 and boric acid) has been applied on the investigated GBC materials in order to explore the flammability resistance of such GBCs. Vacuum Bag Resin Transfer Moulding (VBRTM) technique has been used to manufacture the samples. TGA test have been conducted under oxidative atmosphere with three different heating rates while cone calorimeter tests have been performed with a horizontally exposure on the top surface of the sample. The outcomes of TGA revealed that Bamboo-based (BM-GBC) and Banana-based (Bn-GBC) materials exhibited similar thermal degradation patterns. However, BM-GBC outperformed Bn-based in the cone calorimetry analysis, this is proven by the fire reaction parameters as well as the higher char residue. In addition, IFR coating improved the flame retardancy of both GBCs, reduced the Peak Heat Release Rate (PHRR) by approximately 40–50% and smoke production (SEA) by 26%. SEM and EDS analysis of char residue were performed to deeply investigate the effectiveness of the IFR as a protecting layer.

Synthesis and characterization of an intumescent halloysite based fire-retardant epoxy system

In this research, a halloysite-based nitrogen-phosphorous fire retardant epoxy system was evaluated. The synthesized melamine phosphate in combination with pentaerythritol as an intumescent fire retardant which was effective in previous studies was introduced. To achieve a strong and thermally stable char residue a tubular high aspect ratio halloysite nanotube to make bridgeable network and reducing flame spread as a promising reinforcing nanoclay was proposed. The present study focuses on investigating the fire retardant capabilities of partially cured melamine formaldehyde resin that has been used to cover fire retardant additives. The synthesized fire retardant additives were characterized by spectroscopic, microscopic analysis, etc. The synthesized fire retardant additives had an excellent effect on fire retardancy of epoxy resin and the strength of residual char. Thermogravimetric analysis data showed that suitable amount of halloysite had positive effect on the char residue to protect the substrate at high temperatures. Cone calorimetery test showed that the epoxy based fire retardant sample was successful to release heat slowly, and slow down the burning process by the formation of an efficient char on the surface of the substrate. The total smoke released by epoxy based fire retardant sample was 1469.1 m2/m2 while that of neat epoxy was 5589.6 m2/m2.

A pyrolysis model for the thermal decomposition of low-density polyethylene blended with ammonium polyphosphate and pentaerythritol

In this work, a semi-empirical pyrolysis model is developed to predict the thermal decomposition behavior of an intumescent fire retardant (IFR) system consisting of ammonium polyphosphate/pentaerythritol (APP/PER) with the ratio 3:1 (wt/wt) in a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix. This work is based on a previously developed semi-global reaction mechanism for the degradation of LDPE and APP/PER, which consists of two consecutive first-order reactions for the LDPE and five first and second-order reactions for the APP/PER combination. The apparent properties that define heat transport inside the pyrolyzing solid are determined via inverse modeling of cone calorimeter experiments for the pure LDPE and then for the complete IFR system. This is achieved by using the Shuffled Complex Evolution optimization algorithm. The flame heat flux in the cone calorimeter experiments is also evaluated by targeting the heat release rate (HRR) data in the optimization process of one of the cone radiative heat setups. The optimized parameters and flame heat feedback are in line with the literature and the robustness of the model is assessed by a comparison with the experimental data for a wide range of cone heat fluxes. Ignition times and peaks of HRR and total HRs are within the engineering accuracy whatever the flux conditions for both pure LDPE and the IFR system.

Influence of Wind Speeds and Heating Exposures on the Thermal Insulation of Intumescent Fire-Retardant Coatings

Influence of Wind Speeds and Heating Exposures on the Thermal Insulation of Intumescent Fire-Retardant Coatings

Thermal volatilisation analysis of graphite intercalation compound fire retardants

Thermally expandable graphites are becoming increasingly popular as intumescent fire retardants for polymeric systems due to their excellent thermal and barrier properties. Therefore, it is important to understand their thermal degradation pathways and monitor products for any that may be toxic or affect the stability of the polymer. Here, two commercially available thermally expandable graphites with different intercalated acids have been analyzed using thermal volatilisation analysis—sub-ambient distillation (TVA-SAD), mass spectrometry (MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results confirm the presence of three principal thermal events relating to the expansion of graphite nitrate and graphite bisulfate. Isothermal analyses provide a deeper understanding of the processes and decomposition products released from each stage. For both graphites, desorption of migrating gases and volatilisation of water occur in the first instance. Graphite bisulfate releases CO2, CO, and water upon expansion and releases a significant volume of SO2 subsequently. Graphite nitrate expansion proceeds with the release of NO2, NO, CO and water. Additionally, the release of non-condensable species and carbonyl-derived fragments suggests that the exfoliation process occurs by multiple different degradation processes. For expansion to occur, sufficient pressure must be produced in the graphite interlayer spacing; this is achieved by volatilisation of intercalated species and by the decomposition of functional groups on the outer edges and basal planes created from the oxidation of graphite.

Fabrication of Intumescent Fire-Retardant Coating for Structural Applications

Applicability of materials limited by the effect of flammability in case of any sudden incident. Worldwide protection of any structure from the fire is covered through intumescent fire resistant coatings since many past years. Purpose of this study is to prepare and to fabricate several intumescent fire retardant coatings (IFRC) using different proportions of materials per unit weight. Also to find most optimistic formulations and analyse the performance of intumescent fire retardant coatings (IFRC). On the basis of background studies 5 different materials were considered to prepare several formulations i-e Titanium dioxide (TiO2), Ammonium polyphosphate (APP), Zinc borate, Epoxy hardener, Kaolinite (Clay), Melamine (MEL) and Expandable Graphite (EG). IFRC formulations were applied on Mild Steel plates after its preparation Each formulation was subjected to a temperature of 700°C for a period of five minutes. The results revealed that the coatings, Out of 5 formulations of IFRC, IFRC-4 exhibited promising performance. It demonstrated excellent stability and adhesion at the elevated temperature, lasting for over five minutes. Additionally, its coating expanded up to four times the initial thickness. Heat Transfer rate was completely reduced.

Development of elastomeric intumescent fire-retardant coating for protection of structures at sub-zero temperature condition

The aim of this work is to develop an elastomeric intumescent fire retardant (IFR) coating which can protect the substrates against fire after application and remain stable without any phase separation during storage at sub-zero temperatures. Initially, an elastomeric polymer solution (15 wt%) was prepared using a combination of solvents such as xylene, ethyl acetate and butanol. Thereafter, fire retardant materials along with some fillers such as TiO2 and kaolin were added to the prepared polymeric solution to make an IFR paint. Three different paint compositions were prepared by varying percentages of kaolin and TiO2 using a fixed PVC, and named as TK10, TK73 and TK11. The unpigmented polymeric solution was used as a control during the performance evaluation of the pigmented compositions. The effect of TiO2 and kaolin percentage on the prepared coatings was evaluated in terms of mechanical properties, thermal stability, fire retardancy and char stability characteristics using various analytical instruments. To simulate real conditions, the prepared coatings were also applied over the cotton cloth and fire protection ability was studied in detail. Results revealed that the kaolin and TiO2 combination increased the strength of the char and fire-resistant properties when used in the ratio of 7:3 i.e. TK73.

Dual curing agents for optimized flame-retardancy and physico-mechanical properties of cycloaliphatic epoxy coating

Higher durability with excellent insulation properties is to be considered an important factor for the formulation of intumescent fire-retardant coating (IFR) against the external environment. In this work, two structurally different hardeners such as cycloaliphatic amine and polyamido amine were used for curing hydrogenated bisphenol-A epoxy resin (DGEHBA) to develop intumescent fire-retardant (IFR) coating for exterior applications. Initially, a differential scanning calorimetry study was carried out to estimate the curing kinetics of DGEHBA resin and the hardeners. The IFR coating was prepared by mixing fire-retardant fillers such as ammonium polyphosphate, pentaerythritol and melamine along with TiO2 pigment in DGEHBA resin. The prepared DGEHBA coating was mixed with two different hardeners individually and their combinations in different weight ratios to make a series of epoxy IFR coatings. The impact of curing on the protection ability and integrity of these coatings was evaluated by analyzing their thermal, fire retardance and physico-mechanical virtues. Furthermore, the coatings were also studied for accelerated aging in humidity, weatherometer, seawater immersion and salt spray chamber to deduce the sustainability of the coatings. We have demonstrated enhancement in both, physico-mechanical and fire-retardant properties by using the above prepared coating compositions.

A novel green IFR system: Design of a self-assembled peanut shell-based flame retardant and its fire performance in EP

Carbon derived from peanut shell (CPS) with 2D structure has been proved to own sufficient thermal stability and is a promising flame retardant (FR) additive for EP in our previous work. To further explore the feasibility of implementing CPS into the intumescent fire retardant (IFR) system, a novel green IFR system was first proposed in this study. Environmental-friendly chemicals phytic acid (PA) and melamine were self-assembled on the carbon's surface through the hydrothermal method. Cone calorimeter test results reveal that 3 wt% loading of the proposed IFR reduces total heat release (THR) by 38.8 % and total smoke release (TSR) by 31.3 %. What's more, the char residue grows significantly, from 5.8 % to 14.3 %. The fire retardancy mechanism was also studied. For the gaseous phase, the release of inert gas products from melamine prevents volatile decomposition products into the combustion zone. In terms of the solid phase, a synergistic barrier effect is provided by 2D structure of peanut shell derived carbon and the intumescent residue with a compact exterior layer, protecting the underlying polymer matrix. This green IFR system provides better fire performance, which can be a potential alternative for EP and extend its application.

Brand identification of transparent intumescent fire retardant coatings using portable Raman spectroscopy and machine learning

Transparent intumescent fire retardant coatings (IFRC) are widely used to protect ancient buildings and high-end furniture from fire. Currently, IFRC fraud has attracted considerable attention due to the lack of efficient techniques to detect the identity of IFRC products. In this paper, we use Raman spectroscopy and machine learning to identify IFRC brands. A total of 135 transparent IFRC samples of 6 common brands were prepared and scanned using a portable Raman spectrometer. The obtained spectra were pre-processed to remove unwanted variation and classified using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and kernel extreme learning machine (K-ELM). The accuracies achieved by PLS-DA and K-ELM were 0.978 and 0.993, respectively. In addition, important variables were determined based on the regression coefficients of PLS-DA. The results demonstrate that portable Raman spectroscopy combined with machine learning is a viable approach for rapid, on-situ and low-cost identification of IFRC brands.