Fire-retardant and fire-resistant coatings: From industry to the potential use on cultural heritage

Fire is one of the most damaging deterioration agents in a short time of action. It can cause considerable damage, leading to the loss of lives and possessions. Concerning fire safety recommendations, buildings must be protected by an integrated system of passive and active measures. Two passive measures widely used in many industries are fire-retardant and fire-resistant coatings. These systems provide a fire-protective layer to the surfaces of flammable and non-flammable materials, delaying or preventing their ignition, reducing the heat transfer from the source to the substrate and decreasing the flame spread and the release of smoke and toxic gases. When exposed to fire, according to the different mechanisms of action, fire-protective coatings (FPC) can be classified as non-intumescent and intumescent. Despite being widely mentioned in heritage fire safety guidelines, studies on their application in the field are still scarce. Namely, research on the safety and efficacy of their application near collections (in support materials) and systematic studies comparing different formulations. Therefore, this research assembles interdisciplinary studies on the use of FPC to deepen knowledge and theoretically identify the feasibility of their application in collection support/storage materials or exhibition furniture (bookshelves, cabinets, plinths) in heritage environments.