What it is and why choose it
INTERCHAR 212 Part A Indivisible Kit by International Marina is one of the two components of Interchar 212, a high-performance, solvent-free, modified epoxy intumescent fireproofing coating. Designed specifically for use on structural steel exposed to cellulosic fires, this system is independently fire tested and certified to multiple international standards, making it suitable for demanding industrial and commercial projects.
Applied predominantly by plural-component airless spray, Interchar 212 builds high film thickness in just one or two coats, delivering the required fire protection while offering excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. In many cases, it can protect steelwork without the need for an additional topcoat, simplifying systems and reducing application times.
Main features
- Two-pack, modified epoxy intumescent fireproofing system (Part A component).
- High build, solvent-free formulation with 100% volume solids.
- Designed to protect structural steel in cellulosic fire scenarios.
- Typically achieves required fire protection thickness in one or two coats.
- Excellent corrosion performance and mechanical strength.
- Can provide fully fireproofed steelwork without a topcoat where cosmetic durability is not critical.
- Primarily spray-applied and performs without the need for reinforcement.
- Medium grey colour with a matt textured finish.
- Very low VOC content (0.09 lb/gal, 11 g/L; 2 g/kg under EU Solvent Emissions Directive).
- Suitable for application to abrasive blast-cleaned steel and suitably prepared galvanised steel substrates.
Technical specifications
- Product type: Epoxy intumescent, two-pack (this item is Part A of the kit).
- Intended substrate: Structural steel, including suitably prepared galvanised steel.
- Intended fire type: Cellulosic fires.
- Colour: Medium grey.
- Finish: Matt textured.
- Volume solids: 100%.
- Recommended dry film thickness range: 2 mm – 8 mm (0.08 – 0.32 inches), depending on required fire protection.
- Typical thickness per coat: 3.5 mm (0.14 inches).
- Theoretical coverage: 1 kg of Interchar 212 provides 1 mm of fire protection over 1 m² (based on plural-component application; allow for losses).
- Density: 1 kg/L (8.3 lb/gal) for plural-component airless spray mix.
- Mix ratio (by weight): 2.49 parts : 1 part (Part A : Part B). Always mix full units.
- Working pot life: 120 minutes at 15°C (59°F); 90 minutes at 25°C (77°F).
- Application methods:
- Hot twin feed airless spray (plural-component) – recommended.
- Modified single-feed airless spray – suitable.
- Trowel – suitable for small areas only.
- Drying times (3.5 mm DFT, overcoating with itself):
- 10°C (50°F): Touch dry 8 h; hard dry 24 h; minimum overcoat interval 4 h.
- 20°C (68°F): Touch dry 5 h; hard dry 18 h; minimum overcoat interval 3 h.
- 40°C (104°F): Touch dry 2 h; hard dry 6 h; minimum overcoat interval 2 h.
- Maximum overcoating interval: Consultar ficha técnica del fabricante.
- Recommended substrate preparation (steel):
- Abrasive blast-clean to Sa2½ (ISO 8501-1:2007) or SSPC-SP6.
- Sharp angular profile; minimum 50 microns (2 mils) surface profile.
- Apply an approved primer suitable for the final environment before Interchar 212.
- Recommended substrate preparation (galvanised steel):
- Sweep abrasive blasting to provide a roughened surface to a standard similar to Sa1 (ISO 8501-1), SSPC-SP7 or NACE No. 4.
- Typical profile 15–25 microns (0.6–1.0 mils).
- Apply an approved primer after sweep blasting.
- Environmental conditions for application:
- Do not apply at steel temperatures below 5°C (41°F).
- For maximum performance, ambient curing temperatures should be above 10°C (50°F).
- Surface temperature must always be at least 3°C (5°F) above the dew point.
- Fire test and certification standards:
- UL 263 / UL 2431 Classification Category 1-A, exterior listed (USA) – approved up to 3 hours.
- BS 476 Parts 20–22:1987 (UK) – approved up to 2 hours.
- GOST (Russia) – approved up to 2 hours.
- EAD 350402-00-1106 (Mainland Europe) – assessed up to 2 hours (ETA-11/0470).
- Korean Standard F 2257 – approved up to 2 hours.
- Australian Standards AS 1530.4 (2014) and AS 4100.
- Flash point (typical): Part A >106°C (223°F); Part B >106°C (223°F); mixed >106°C (223°F).
- VOC: 0.09 lb/gal (11 g/L) per EPA Method 24; 2 g/kg per EU Solvent Emissions Directive (Council Directive 2010/75/EU).
- Compatible primers: Intercure 200, Intercure 200HS, Intergard 251, Intergard 269, Intergard 2575, Interseal 1052.
- Compatible topcoats (where cosmetic finish is required): Interfine 878, Interfine 979, Interthane 870, Interthane 990, Interthane 990SG.
- Pack sizes (kits):
- 20 kg unit: Part A 14.2 kg in 20 L; Part B 5.8 kg in 6 L.
- 50 kg unit: Part A 35.6 kg in 20 L; Part B 14.4 kg in 20 L.
- Typical shipping weight:
- 20 kg unit: Part A 15.98 kg; Part B 6.35 kg.
- 50 kg unit: Part A 39.16 kg; Part B 16.18 kg.
- U.N. shipping classification: Non hazardous (U.N. Shipping No. Non Hazardous).
- Storage and shelf life: Minimum 18 months at 25°C (77°F), stored in dry, shaded conditions away from sources of heat and ignition; subject to re-inspection thereafter.
Applications and use cases
Interchar 212 is intended to help preserve the structural integrity of steelwork in cellulosic fire scenarios. Typical applications include:
- Airport terminals.
- Leisure facilities.
- Convention and exhibition centres.
- Educational facilities.
- Shopping malls and retail complexes.
- Industrial complexes.
- Hotels and other public-access buildings.
The coating is typically applied off-site by specialist applicators, allowing steelwork to be fabricated and fire protected away from the construction site. This approach can improve quality control and help shorten construction schedules.
FAQ
1. What type of fire does Interchar 212 protect against?
Interchar 212 is designed for protection of structural steel in cellulosic fire scenarios.
2. Can Interchar 212 be used without a topcoat?
Yes. Interchar 212 can provide fully fireproofed steelwork without a topcoat. However, for a durable cosmetic finish with good gloss and colour retention, approved topcoats such as Interfine or Interthane systems are recommended.
3. How many coats are typically required?
In many projects, the required fire protection thickness can be achieved in only one or two coats, depending on the specified fire rating and section factors.
4. On which substrates can it be applied?
It is suitable for abrasive blast-cleaned steel substrates and for galvanised steel that has been sweep blast-cleaned and properly primed with an approved primer.
5. Which application method is recommended?
Heated plural-component airless spray is highly recommended for best control of film build and material usage. Modified single-feed airless spray and trowel application (for small areas) are also possible.
6. At what temperatures can I apply the product?
Do not apply when steel temperature is below 5°C (41°F). For optimum performance, ambient curing temperatures should be above 10°C (50°F), and the surface temperature must be at least 3°C (5°F) above the dew point.
7. Does exposure to weather affect fire performance?
Like other epoxies, Interchar 212 will chalk and discolour on exterior exposure. These effects are not detrimental to the fireproofing performance.
8. What primers and topcoats are compatible?
Approved primers include Intercure 200/200HS, Intergard 251/269/2575 and Interseal 1052. Approved topcoats include Interfine 878/979 and Interthane 870/990/990SG.
9. What is the shelf life?
The shelf life is at least 18 months at 25°C (77°F) when stored in dry, shaded conditions away from heat and ignition sources, after which re-inspection is required.
10. Who should apply this product?
The product is intended for use only by professional applicators in industrial situations, following the guidance of the technical data and Safety Data Sheet.
Section 14 – Transport information
- UN classification: U.N. Shipping No. Non Hazardous.
- Transport hazard class: Consultar ficha técnica del fabricante.
- Packing group: Consultar ficha técnica del fabricante.
- Marine transport details: Consultar ficha técnica del fabricante.
- Typical shipping weights:
- 20 kg kit: Part A 15.98 kg; Part B 6.35 kg.
- 50 kg kit: Part A 39.16 kg; Part B 16.18 kg.
Section 8 – Individual protection measures
- This product is intended for use only by professional applicators in industrial environments, following the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
- All work involving application and use must comply with relevant national Health, Safety and Environmental standards and regulations.
- When welding or flame cutting on metal coated with this product, dust and fumes will be emitted; appropriate personal protective equipment and adequate local exhaust ventilation are required.
- For detailed PPE requirements (respiratory, eye, skin and hand protection), Consultar ficha técnica del fabricante.
*Contenido generado por IA
