Concept Behind Fire-Retardant Aluminum Composite Panels

When it comes to fire-retardant products, it never means that they will protect users. It is all about slowing down the burning process by causing high flame resistance. Various materials in the industry work as fire retardants. Similarly, unique aluminum composite panels have fire-retardant abilities. If someone wants to install a fire-resistant ACP, they need to know a little about its concept. Many corporations and house owners use them for decoration and other benefits. They can beautify the walls and resist the spread of fire to some extent. Have a brief look at these vital points below.

Blocks the Oxygen from Reaching Flammable Layers

The prime causes of fire spread are inflammable goods and oxygen supply. They spread fire so quickly in a place, which later becomes uncontrollable. Slowing or blocking the oxygen supply is the only way to prevent a fire from spreading. The materials used in the fire retardant ACPs have different natures, whereas the plastic ones have the least resistance to high temperatures. 

The aluminum layers on both ends slow down the spread of fire. However, aluminum is among the most heat-conducting metals in the world. When given enough time to react, the aluminum layers block the oxygen from carrying the fire inside the ACP. The middle layers are protected for some minutes by the outer layers. 

Creates Barrier Between Fire and the Composite Materials 

If we glance at fire-retardant ACPs, there are multiple layers in them. The order of layer placement is something like that. Aluminum film, PE film, LDPE film, and again aluminum film. However, there are some layers of minerals, like silica, which work to create barriers between different layers. Most importantly, the outer layers have to show the highest resistance level. Aluminum can create a barrier between the fire and the central layers of panels. 

This barrier is why the fire takes time to burn the whole panel. The panels will melt within a few seconds if there is no resistance. The purpose of adding aluminum to them is to make them withstand rising temperatures. Many people install fire retardant ACPs for decoration, which can also provide a little protection from fire. 

Aluminum Sheets are Thicker than Usual ACPs 

There is a difference between ordinary ACPs and fire-retardant ACPs regarding aluminum layers. The difference is in the thickness level, where a fire-retardant ACP has a 1 mm thicker layer of aluminum than a normal one. This thickness is supposed to slow the spread of fire in the ACP. Not adding these features can risk people's lives in a building that is about to catch fire.

Typically, non-fire-retardant ACPs have a 3mm thickness. This thickness level is enough for decoration and aesthetics without adding much weight to the wall. In the case of adding protection, the thickness level of ACPs becomes 4mm. 1 mm of extra thickness creates a barrier between the flames and the core of the panels. Now, the usual thickness is 4mm of fire retardant ACPs. 

Safety Standards in the Production 

The safety standards have to be met. Otherwise, there will be enormous concerns for the manufacturers. No manufacturer wants to be sued by any consumer because it can cause havoc. The best way to avoid these risks is to follow every possible way to meet minimum requirements for the safe production of ACP. Each fire-resistant ACP goes through various tests and procedures. 

They have to follow standards like GB 8624-2006 Class B1, NFPA 285, and ASTM E84. After passing the tests, it is allowed for any manufacturer to release the panels in the market. Thorough processing ensures that the board can withstand the heat of flames for enough minutes, so people can have enough time to survive.

The ASTM E84 standard plays a role in testing the surface burning rate of a building material. Since ACPs are one of the wall panels, these testing standards ensure they are safe to go ahead. Another way to test wall panels' capability to resist fire is through NFPA 285. With the help of this safety standard, the manufacturers successfully try the safety measures. Ultimately, the safety of people and goods in a building is a priority. These standards are followed by every manufacturer to ensure that the quality remains the same for installation on different platforms. After all, the objective is to save lives and reduce the maximum damage in a fire.

Gives Evacuation Time of Around 30 Mins to 45 Mins

The evacuation time of a building matters a lot in a life-saving situation. Imagine a building catching fire, and people need evacuation within 10 minutes. The fire is spreading so fast, and every flammable material only contributes to that fire. Hence, fire-resistant ACPs can give around 30 minutes to 45 minutes of duration to leave the building. That is the maximum time these panels can take to thoroughly burn. Meanwhile, people can go and escape the building as soon as possible. 

This time is good enough to evacuate a whole team from an average size of a corporate building. Moreover, the fire brigade team can also buy time to respond immediately. It is a core objective of manufacturers to add maximum resistance level for the safety of the core. That safety is possible through the grade of aluminum layer on the outside. 

You can install fire resistant ACPs in your home and office, which will be an excellent step. The property's value will also augment the factors that enhance the worth in the real estate sector. In case you have to sell a property with ACPs installed, the buyers might be impressed with the installation of ACP. It may support you in putting a fair value on a property.