Intumescent Reaction Mechanisms

An extensive experimental program has been conducted on intumescent systems where the components have been varied systematically. Small plates were coated with the various formulations, exposed to a heat source typical of aviation fuel fires, and the temperature-time history of the substrate recorded. Concurrently, a simplified mathematical model was developed for an intumes cing system which has given insight to the fundamental mechanisms of in tumescence. The model and the results of the experimental program demonstrate certain desirable features of intumescent systems.