FiRetWood
Development of innovative fire protection agents using textile cross-linking chemicals for wooden building components in outdoor applications
Wood is used in a wide variety of applications. In particular, a low natural durability, but also flammability and burning behaviour during exposure to fire, require preventive protective measures for many European wood species. Flame retardant modifications of wood must therefore be undertaken, in particular in construction, so that corresponding building standards are met. Currently available flame retardants are based partly on halogen compounds or contain borates and are not resistant to weathering - during outdoor use leaching occurs and a decrease in the flame retardancy during the service life is observed. Halogens and borates pose health risks, while leaching significantly limits permanent flame retardancy in outdoor applications (e.g. facade elements), which raises the need for research.
As part of the project, wood is treated with halogen-free fire-retardants in combination with various additives (full impregnation). Firstly, the flammability as well as the burning behavior are examined in laboratory tests and a selection regarding the fire protection formulations and treatment parameters to be used for further experiments is made. Furthermore, biological, physical and mechanical properties after fire protection treatments are investigated. Subsequently, an upscaling from the laboratory scale towards a pilot-process is planned and the modified material tested with respect to the flame retardancy in usage dimensions.
The aim of the research project is therefore the investigation of various fire protection formulations for solid wood. Special interest is given to permanent flame retardancy in products that are used outdoors (for example, facade elements or decking).