Aluminium composite panels, or ACPs, have been the culprit behind the barrage of recent building fires in Australia and across the world. The aluminium on these products is not the cause – the reason for these fires lies in the high density polyethylene (HDPE) core found in many composite products. Consisting of dense molecule chains of carbon and hydrogen, HDPE produces 25 times more heat than it takes to ignite, meaning it can burn quickly, rapidly and at extremely high temperatures. Because of its high concentration of hydrogen – a flammable molecule – one kilogram of HDPE has the same level of combustibility as 5 litres of petrol.  The wet paint finishes used on many ACPs, often consisting of flammable solvents and binders, can add fuel to the fire.

DecoClad, the fire-safe cladding solution from DECO, eliminates these problems. As a powder-coated, solid aluminium cladding product, DecoClad contains no flammable plastics such as polyethylene – but what makes it safe to use? Why is solid, powder-coated aluminium non-combustible?

Why doesn't aluminium ignite?

Despite fears surrounding aluminium composites, there is no evidence that solid aluminium catches fire – and this is due to its material properties. Aluminium has an extremely high ignition temperature or around 3000 degrees Celsius, meaning the average spark from a cigarette will not set fire to it. It is also difficult to burn because of the natural oxide layer on the outside, which prevents the metal reacting with oxygen and preventing it from igniting. Aluminium’s superior heat conductivity dissipates heat across the entire surface of the metal, preventing concentrated hot spots which could cause other materials around the aluminium to ignite. In addition, it does not release smoke or hydrogen even when it is in a molten state – and it does not spark when impacted or cut.

Why is powder coating a fire safe finish?

Unlike liquid coatings, such as wet paint finishes, thermoset powder coatings such as polyurethane and polyester are thermally cured, meaning the coating particles are bonded together when heated at high temperatures, forming a more durable coating which is resistant to flame. If powder coating is exposed to fire, it will char and will not keep burning unless exposed to an intense, sustained, high-temperature fire source for a long period of time, and flames will not spread across the surface.

Above: DecoClad fire testing. As shown in the image, despite exposure to an intense heat source, the DecoClad sample does not catch fire and the powder coating chars but does not ignite. 

DecoClad is certified non-combustible by CSIRO, and complies with AS 1530.1 and AS 1530.3. For more information or to obtain testing certificates, email info@deco.net.au