Silica nanoparticles in high silica/alkali molar ratio solutions as fire‐retardant impregnants for woods

The objective of this paper is to know the fire performance of wooden panels (Pinus radiata) impregnated with silica nanoparticles added to silica/alkali colloidal solutions. Two series of impregnated panels were prepared with diverse penetrations and retentions (a) after drying/curing the impregnants at laboratory conditions until reaching constant weight and (b) after finishing this stage with prior distiller water immersion for seven days and a later air exposition for attaining moisture balance. Panels were tested in a limiting oxygen chamber and in a two‐foot tunnel. Some results displayed a high fire‐retardant efficiency.