Fire Resistant Protection for Structural Bamboo

8 May

Written By Guest

I have a question for my research, what would be the best preservation technique to use on structural bamboo? It needs to be fire resistant too. Will a boric acid-borax solution suffice? Or would an additional clear external intumescent coating help? What do you guys think? Thanks in advance. I appreciate the information you guys put here Guadua Bamboo.

Comments

Stéphane Schröder

Yes, boron is fire retardant but for even more protection you could use the following formula: boric acid / copper sulphate / zinc chloride / sodium dichromate : ratio 3:1:5:6 Recommended concentration is 25% for indoor and outdoor use.

Lily

Dear Stephane, how to apply the mixture of boric acid ? Must the bamboo be soaked in the mix? Or simply applied on the surface of the bamboo? Thank you very much.

Stéphane Schröder

Hello Lily, yes the bamboo poles should be submerged. The outer layer of bamboo doesn't absorb fluids, only the inner part.

Lily

Thanks for the answer, Stephane. I have more questions: how long should the bamboo be submerged? What is its level of fire resistance? If you have made a test, how did you test the bamboo?

Fray

Hello, I would like to know how much protection does the formula give to bamboo. I mean in terms of time and temperature? Have you made tests?

Fire Resistance