Buy time, save lives and limit asset damage with new waterborne PPG Steelguard 601 and 651

PPG’s protective and marine coatings business has introduced PPG Steelguard™ 601 and PPG Steelguaed™ 651, waterborne thin-film intumescent coatings with minimal environmental impact that deliver up to 120min of cellulosic fire protection.

The new PPG Steelguard waterborne range has been formulated to reflect modern building design where structural steel demands high performance from a protective coating system. In addition to a smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish, which protects the structure against corrosion, it must also maintain the steel’s stability in the event of a fire.

These highly protective intumescent coatings are designed to expand at high temperatures, from a very thin, lightweight film into a thick, foam-like layer that forms an insulation char protecting the steel from cellulosic fire. The heat insulation properties of these intumescent coatings maintain the steel’s stability, providing up to 120 minutes of fire protection at temperatures ranging from 350°C (660°F) to 750°C (1380°F).

PPG Global Cellulosic PFP Manager Jason Wall said: "PPG has worked closely with architects and designers around the world and we understand the pressures to specify ‘greener’ products, which are also highly effective in maintaining structural stability. By investing in research and development of this waterborne intumescent technology that contributes to a greener and safer environment we can also buy additional time for people to escape and firefighters to arrive, saving lives and limiting damage to buildings and assets.”

PPG Steelguard 601 and PPG Steelguard 651 single pack waterborne coatings have high volume of solids, very low VOCs and low odour thus providing a healthier atmosphere for workers. These benefits should allow application to be undertaken whilst the building is in use or still under construction with minimal disruption to other on-site installers.

Both have been tested and certified to the latest international standards and comply with the most stringent environmental regulations. These include EN 13381-8:2013 and BS476 Parts 20/21. They also meet ISO 12944-2 C1* and C2 internal environments and ETAG 018-2 Z2* and Z1 and Y durability categories.

To ensure that designers and contractors can make full use the coatings, PPG engineers are available globally to provide their expertise in intumescent fire protection and advise on the relevant industry standards and fire ratings. PPG has the engineering capability to support clients in the early stages of development, guiding them through the specification process and providing support through to project completion and beyond.