Work

Evaluation of the Fire Safety Performance of Fire-Resistant Coatings in BIPV Modules

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), which are used for building exteriors such as walls, roofs, balconies, and awnings, play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, since the back sheet, sealant, junction box, and cable of BIPV modules are made of flammable plastic materials, fire protection technologies are needed to ensure fire safety. The aim of this work is to evaluate the fire safety performance of BIPV modules coated with fire-resistant (FRs) and flame-retardant (FRt) materials. The test results show that the performance of the FRs coating was excellent in terms of fire blocking, physical properties, and durability, compared to the FRt coating. Surface damage, such as cracks and blisters, was observed on the FRt coating during the impact and acid resistance tests, whereas the FRs coating demonstrated superior durability without any defects. Specifically, aluminum hydroxide (ATH, 5–10 wt%) added to the FRs coating promoted an endothermic reaction that lowered the flame temperature, released H2O, and stably formed an Al2O3 heat-shielding layer. Due to this reaction, the suppression of the fire spread by the BIPV modules was the best compared to that of Mg, Ti, and Si-based additives.

Source: Fire

DOI: 10.3390/fire8110428

Authors: Yong Chan Jung, Min Ji Song, Hee Kyung Park, Min Chul Lee, Soo Yeol Lee

Institutions: Korea Electric Power Research Institute, Chungnam National University, Incheon National University, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology

Language: English

Topic: Flame retardant materials and properties

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896