Transforming polymers blaze a trail

has unveiled a polymer that transforms into a fireproof ceramic in a blaze which prevents electrical short-circuits and could stop flames spreading between rooms.

The ceramifying polymers have been developed by CSIRO and the CRC for Polymers, and are being commercialised by CRC spin-off company Ceram Polymerik. Vince Dowling, from CSIRO Manufacturing and Materials Technology, said the ceramifying polymers were developed for use in fire-resistant electric cables by combining properties of a polymer with those of a ceramic.

‘As the polymer melted and disintegrated in the heat, the ceramic formed a solid protective insulating layer, preventing short-circuits and enabling the current to keep flowing,’ Dowling said.

Researchers are exploring ceramifying polymer fire protection of doors and windows, structural steel, ceilings and wall linings as well as in marine and transport areas and public infrastructure.

Typically polymers start to melt between 100 and 200^oC and disintegrate completely around 300-400^oC, whereas ceramics are typically formed at temperatures of 700^oC and above. The trick was to develop materials that were stable between the degradation of the polymer and the formation of the ceramic.