Abstract

In this study, the tannins extracted from the Pinus radiata bark were used to develop an active–passive dual paint scheme with intumescent (IN) and fire-resistant (FR) behaviors. The properties of the coating were observed to depend on the concentration of high-molecular-weight tannins (H-MWT) incorporated into the formulation. At high concentrations (13% w/w), the coating exhibits fire-retardant properties due to the generation of a carbonaceous layer; however, at low concentrations (2.5% w/w), it generates an intumescent effect due to the formation of a carbonaceous foam layer. The dual IN–FR scheme was evaluated against fire by flame advance tests, carbonization index, mass loss, and intumescent effect, and was also compared to a commercial coating. The dual scheme presented good mechanical properties with a pull-off adhesion value of 0.76 MPa and an abrasion index of 54.7% at 1000 cycles, when using a coating with a high solid content (>60%) and the same thickness as those of the commercial coatings. The results of the fire resistance test indicate that the dual scheme generates a protective effect for wood and metal, with an excellent performance that is comparable to that of a commercial intumescent coating.