Building a Better Barrier: Technology Helps Create a Safer Construction Material

Online, November 18, 2010 (Newswire.com) - In fact, thanks to modern chemistry, the phenomenon "water from walls" has become a reality-one that stems from the quest to create new fire-retardant construction materials. Researchers have managed to create a method of locking water into a coating that can be applied to an OSB (oriented strand board) panel or other substrate. When fire a strikes, any house or other commercial structure made from these panels is better prepared to withstand the flames.

One Minnesota-based company, Barrier Technology Inc., has adopted this miracle of modern chemistry. The company is developing, manufacturing and marketing a patented coating known as Pyrotite®, which consists of a magnesium oxide material that is mixed with chopped fiberglass and water. The mixture is then cured and applied to an oriented strand board (OSB) panel. Two quarts of water per 4' x 8' panel are locked into the product in this inert form, and become moisture only when exposed to the intense heat created by a fire, helping the panel resist burn-through and slowing the spread of the flames.

The release of the water begins to occur at a temperature that has been measured to be lower than the combustion temperature of wood. When released, the moisture helps the panel resist burn-through and slows the spread of the flames. This allows additional time for evacuation should fire strike. In addition, the fiberglass-reinforced Pyrotite® actually increases the strength of the panel, adding a level of safety to the structure in which it is used.

"The water only comes off as a steam vapor when fire hits it, and it heats up just before the wood might start to burn below it. So you have this vapor of steam that comes off and cools the fire," says Dr. Michael Huddy, President and CEO of Barrier Technology. "Also, because it is fiberglass-enforced, the thin coating of Pyrotite® on the surface actually makes the wood stronger, so it holds up well in earthquake and high-wind zones."

All in all, it's a development that gives a whole new meaning to the familiar phrase "better living through chemistry".

For more information, log on to www.intlbarrier.com.