Gulf Construction Online - Sika coating protects steel against fire

Steel

Sika coating protects steel against fire

01 July 2016

Sika, a global building product manufacturer, has launched an innovative high-performance fire-protection coating system that safeguards steel structures, workers and the environment.

Designed for use on structural steel, Sika Unitherm Platinum is a one-coat, factory-applied system that offers high mechanical strength and impact resistance, helping to eliminate onsite application and create a safer way to protect steel frame structures.

“Unitherm Platinum is a super-strong, one-coat system which provides total protection for structural steel installations in all weather and environmental conditions,” says Mark Bushell, Sika business unit manager. “As it can be applied prior to construction, we have not only created a coating which simplifies installation, it has ensured a safer application process.”

Sika Unitherm Platinum is the first fire protection system in Europe to be tested according to the latest EN 13381-8:210 standard and approved with the CE marking as an international product, approval and technical passport, according to a company spokesman. Its high mechanical strength, shock impact and abrasion resistance provide a robust safeguard against the long-term effects of wear and tear.

“Solvent-free, Sika Unitherm Platinum is easily applied with standard airless spray equipment, requires no reinforcement, cures rapidly to a very tough and damage-resistant finish, and is ready for handling the next day.

“As a result of its tolerance to normal transportation methods without the requirement for protection against moisture, Unitherm Platinum products can be shipped without damage during the service life of the structure,” the spokesman adds.

Among its many advantages, Sika Unitherm Platinum system can be applied with or without primer and top coat for indoor and outdoor use.

“It has excellent corrosion protection properties in high humidity and severe environmental conditions according to SN EN ISO 12944-5 up to C5-I and C5-M.

“As well as its high-performance fire and corrosion protection properties, Sika Unitherm Platinum provides a coating surface which is quick and easy to clean with high-pressure water as it contains fire and corrosive properties which are unaffected by water,” he states.

Sika has subsidiaries in 93 countries around the world and manufactures in more than 170 factories. Its approximately 17,000 employees globally generated annual sales of CHF5.49 billion ($5.67 billion) in 2015.