What is Interchar 1160 and why choose it?
Interchar 1160 by International Marina is a single-pack, water borne intumescent coating designed to provide up to 60 minutes of fire protection for structural steel in internal environments. Free from chlorine and borates and independently tested at UKAS-accredited laboratories, it combines certified fire performance with a more environmentally considerate water-based technology and very low odour. Interchar 1160 is CE marked and holds European Technical Approval ETA-11/0460, making it suitable for projects where both safety and aesthetic appearance are critical, including occupied or hygienically sensitive areas.
Main features
- Fire protection up to 60 minutes: Tested and assessed in accordance with EN 13381 Part 8 for I-section beams, columns and hollow sections in internal environments.
- Water borne, single-pack system: Easy to mix and apply with a power agitator; no separate hardener required.
- Low odour and chlorine/borate-free: Suitable for on-site application in occupied spaces or sensitive locations.
- Certified performance: CE marked with European Technical Approval ETA-11/0460 and tested under ETAG No. 18 when used with approved primers and topcoats.
- High volume solids: Approximately 68% ± 3% by volume, allowing substantial film build in fewer coats.
- Aesthetic white matt finish: Designed for visible structural steel where appearance matters; spray application provides a smoother finish.
- Efficient application: Up to 300–700 microns dry film (441–1029 microns wet) achievable in a single airless spray coat.
- Indoor durability: When combined with suitable anti-corrosive primers and topcoats, can be used in internal environments classified up to C3 according to ISO 12944‑2:1998.
- Very low VOC content: 0 g/kg under the EU Solvent Emissions Directive and 20 g/l under the EU Product Directive.
- Professional-grade product: Intended for application by trained professional applicators in industrial situations.
Technical specifications
General data
- Product type: Water borne intumescent coating
- Components: Single-pack
- Colour: White
- Finish: Matt
- Typical use: Fire protection of structural steelwork in internal environments
Fire performance
- Fire rating: Up to 60 minutes fire protection
- Test standards: EN 13381 Part 8; evaluated under ETAG No. 18
- Certified scope: I-section beams, columns and hollow sections in internal conditions
Physical properties
- Volume solids: 68% ± 3% (ISO 3233, CEPE Guidance Method)
- Recommended dry film thickness (per coat): 300–700 microns
- Approximate wet film thickness (per coat): 441–1029 microns
- Theoretical coverage: 0.97 m²/litre at 700 microns d.f.t. (based on stated volume solids)
- Practical coverage: Subject to appropriate loss factors (surface profile, application method, wastage)
- Density / product weight: Approximately 1.4 kg/l (11.7 lb/gal)
- Flash point (typical): >101°C (214°F)
- pH (as supplied): Approx. 8
- Viscosity (kinematic): Approx. 249 mm²/s at room temperature; 350 mm²/s at 40°C
VOC information
- VOC (EU Solvent Emissions Directive 2010/75/EU): 0 g/kg
- VOC (EU Product Directive 2004/42/EC): 20 g/l
- Note: VOC values are typical and given for guidance; they may vary slightly with colour and normal manufacturing tolerances.
Drying and overcoating times (at 700 microns d.f.t.)
All times are approximate and will vary with film thickness, ventilation and humidity.
- At 10°C (50°F):
- Touch dry: 5 hours
- Hard dry: 6 hours
- Minimum overcoating interval (self): 18 hours
- Maximum overcoating interval (self): Extended
- At 15°C (59°F):
- Touch dry: 4 hours
- Hard dry: 5 hours
- Minimum overcoating interval (self): 12 hours
- Maximum overcoating interval (self): Extended
- At 25°C (77°F):
- Touch dry: 2 hours
- Hard dry: 4 hours
- Minimum overcoating interval (self): 6 hours
- Maximum overcoating interval (self): Extended
- At 40°C (104°F):
- Touch dry: 1 hour
- Hard dry: 3 hours
- Minimum overcoating interval (self): 4 hours
- Maximum overcoating interval (self): Extended
- Minimum overcoating interval with topcoats: 24 hours (all temperatures above refer to self-overcoating; topcoat interval is separate)
Application details
- Recommended application methods: Airless spray (preferred), brush, roller
- Airless spray:
- Tip size: 0.43–0.53 mm (17–21 thou)
- Minimum fluid pressure at tip: 175 kg/cm² (2489 psi)
- Maximum film build in one coat is best achieved by airless spray.
- Brush: Suitable for small areas; typically 100–300 microns d.f.t. per coat.
- Roller: Suitable for small areas; typically 100–300 microns d.f.t. per coat.
- Thinner: Normally not required.
- Cleaner: Clean water only. Do not use organic solvents.
- Mixing: Single-component material; mix thoroughly with a power agitator before application.
Surface preparation
- General: All surfaces must be clean, dry and free from contamination. Steel surfaces should be prepared in accordance with ISO 8504:2000. Oil and grease must be removed to SSPC‑SP1 (Solvent Cleaning).
- Primed steelwork: Always apply over a recommended anti-corrosive coating system. The primed surface must be dry, free from contamination and within the specified overcoating interval of the primer.
- Damaged areas: Prepare to the specified standard (e.g. Sa2½ / ISO 8501‑1:2007 or SSPC‑SP6 abrasive blast, or SSPC‑SP11 power tool cleaning) and re-prime before applying Interchar 1160.
- Metallic zinc primers: Can be used provided they are overcoated first with an approved tie coat such as Intergard 269 or Intergard 276.
- Galvanised steel: Thoroughly clean and degrease, then sweep blast before applying an approved primer such as Intergard 269 or Intergard 276.
System compatibility
The following primers have been tested with Interchar 1160 in accordance with ETAG No. 18:
- Intercryl 525
- Intercure 200, Intercure 200HS
- Intergard 251, Intergard 269, Intergard 276
- InterH2O 499
- Interprime 306
- Interseal 670HS, Interseal 1052
- Interzinc 52 (when used with a suitable tie coat; see surface preparation section)
Approved topcoats tested to ETAG No. 18 for use over Interchar 1160 include:
- Intercryl 525
- Intersheen 579
- Interthane 870
- Interthane 990, Interthane 990SG
Environmental and storage data
- Service environment: When combined with suitable primers and topcoats, usable in internal environments up to C3 as per ISO 12944‑2:1998.
- Storage temperature: Protect from freezing at all times during storage and transport.
- Storage conditions: Store in dry, shaded conditions away from sources of heat and ignition.
- Shelf life: Minimum 12 months at 25°C (77°F), subject to re‑inspection thereafter.
- Pack size: 20 litre units (approximate shipping weight 30.2 kg per unit).
Applications and use cases
- Commercial buildings: Fire protection of exposed or encased steel beams and columns in offices, retail spaces, hotels and public buildings.
- Industrial facilities: Protection of structural steel in factories, warehouses and plant rooms within internal environments up to C3 when used in appropriate coating systems.
- Infrastructure projects: Internal steelwork in stations, terminals and other transport-related structures where low odour and on-site application are required.
- Hygienically sensitive or occupied areas: Locations such as healthcare facilities or food-related interiors where the very low odour and water borne nature of the product are advantageous.
- Architectural steelwork: Visible feature steel where a white matt intumescent finish is required prior to decorative topcoating.
FAQ
1. What level of fire protection does Interchar 1160 provide?
Interchar 1160 is designed to provide up to 60 minutes of fire protection for I-section beams, columns and hollow sections in internal environments when applied at the appropriate dry film thickness.
2. Is Interchar 1160 suitable for exterior exposure?
The product is specified for internal environments. When used with suitable anti-corrosive primers and topcoats, it is approved for internal environments up to C3 as defined in ISO 12944‑2:1998.
3. How is Interchar 1160 applied for best results?
Maximum film build in a single coat is achieved by airless spray using a 0.43–0.53 mm (17–21 thou) tip and a minimum fluid pressure of 175 kg/cm² (2489 psi). Brush or roller may be used for small areas at lower thicknesses.
4. Can it be applied over zinc-rich primers?
Yes. Interchar 1160 may be applied over approved epoxy metallic zinc primers, provided they have first been overcoated with an approved tie coat such as Intergard 269 or Intergard 276.
5. What is the minimum time before applying a topcoat?
The minimum overcoating interval with compatible topcoats is 24 hours at the stated drying conditions.
6. Does the product contain solvents or high VOC levels?
Interchar 1160 is a water borne coating with a VOC content of 0 g/kg (EU Solvent Emissions Directive) and 20 g/l (EU Product Directive), making it a low-VOC option.
7. Is Interchar 1160 low odour?
Yes. It has a very low odour, allowing application on site and in occupied or hygienically sensitive internal areas.
8. Who should apply this product?
The safety data sheet states that Interchar 1160 is intended for use only by professional applicators in industrial situations, following all relevant health, safety and environmental regulations.
9. How should equipment be cleaned after application?
All application equipment, hoses and guns should be thoroughly flushed and cleaned with clean water immediately after use. Do not use organic solvents.
10. What happens if the coating is exposed to freezing temperatures in storage?
The product must be protected from freezing at all times during storage and transport. Freezing can adversely affect performance and usability.
Section 14 – Transport information
According to the safety data sheet, Interchar 1160 White is not regulated as a dangerous good for transport under ADR/RID, IMDG or IATA.
- UN number / ID number: Not regulated.
- UN proper shipping name: Not regulated.
- Transport hazard class(es): Not regulated.
- Packing group: Not regulated.
- Environmental hazards: Not classified as environmentally hazardous for transport.
- Special precautions for user:
- Transport within user’s premises only in closed containers that are upright and secure.
- Ensure personnel transporting the product know the correct procedures in case of accident or spillage.
- Transport in bulk according to IMO instruments: Not applicable.
Section 8 – Individual protection measures
The following personal protective equipment (PPE) and exposure controls are highlighted in the safety data sheet and should be implemented as part of a full risk assessment:
Exposure controls and hygiene
- Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to keep airborne concentrations below any recommended limits.
- Wash hands, forearms and face thoroughly after handling, before eating, drinking or smoking and at the end of the work period.
- Remove contaminated clothing and protective equipment before entering eating areas; wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
- Ensure eyewash stations and safety showers are located close to work areas.
Eye and face protection
- Wear safety eyewear complying with an approved standard when risk assessment indicates potential exposure to splashes, mists or aerosols.
- Where contact is possible, chemical splash goggles are recommended.
Hand protection
- Wear chemical-resistant, impervious gloves complying with an approved standard whenever handling the product.
- For prolonged or frequently repeated contact, use gloves with protection class 6 (breakthrough time > 480 minutes according to EN374). Recommended: Viton or nitrile, thickness ≥ 0.38 mm.
- For brief contact, gloves with protection class 2 or higher (breakthrough time > 30 minutes according to EN374) are recommended. Example: nitrile gloves, thickness ≥ 0.12 mm.
- Replace gloves regularly and immediately if any signs of damage are observed.
Skin and body protection
- Select protective clothing based on the specific task and associated risks, and have it approved by a safety specialist before use.
- Use appropriate footwear and additional skin protection as required.
Respiratory protection
- Where ventilation is insufficient or if a risk assessment indicates, wear a respirator conforming to EN140 fitted with an A/P2 filter or better.
- Dry sanding, flame cutting or welding of the dry paint film may generate hazardous dust and fumes. Prefer wet sanding/flatting where possible; if exposure cannot be avoided, use suitable respiratory protection and local exhaust ventilation.
Environmental exposure control
- Check emissions from ventilation and process equipment to ensure compliance with environmental protection legislation.
- Where necessary, use fume scrubbers, filters or engineering modifications to reduce emissions.
*Contenido generado por IA
