In the quest to make wooden structures safer and more sustainable, a groundbreaking study led by Redžo Hasanagić from the Department of Wood Science and Technology at the University of Bihać, Bosnia and Herzegovina, has shed new light on enhancing the fire resistance of spruce wood. Published in the journal Fire, the research delves into the effectiveness of innovative surface coatings in bolstering the fire resistance of spruce wood, a material increasingly used in construction due to its versatility and eco-friendliness.
The study, which evaluated various treatments including oils, waxes, boric acid, commercial coatings, and fire-retardant agents, revealed significant improvements in fire resistance for samples treated with specific coatings. The Burn Block spray and Caparol coating stood out, effectively preventing flame spread and reducing average flame height to just 6.57 cm and 6.95 cm, respectively. In contrast, untreated samples exhibited a flame height of 9.34 cm, while boric acid-treated samples reached up to 12.18 cm.
Hasanagić emphasized the importance of these findings, stating, “The adoption of comprehensive building codes and standards for wooden structures is essential to ensure they can withstand fire incidents better. Our research provides practical guidelines for developing safer and more sustainable wood materials for the construction industry.”
The research employed a multi-faceted approach, including the small flame method (EN ISO 11925-2:2020), surface roughness analysis, hyperspectral imaging (HSI), and contact angle measurements. These methods provided a detailed understanding of how different treatments affect the thermal stability and flammability of spruce wood.
Surface roughness analysis revealed a clear correlation between the type of treatment and the thermal stability of the wood. Hyperspectral imaging enabled a detailed visualization of surface degradation, while contact angle measurements highlighted the impact of hydrophobicity on flammability. “Hyperspectral imaging precisely mapped the damaged areas and identified chemical changes caused by flame exposure,” Hasanagić noted, underscoring the precision of the study’s methods.
The findings have significant implications for the construction industry, particularly in the energy sector, where the demand for sustainable and fire-resistant materials is growing. By enhancing the fire resistance of spruce wood, these innovative coatings can contribute to the development of safer and more durable wooden structures, reducing the risk of fire-related incidents and improving overall building safety.
Looking ahead, the research opens the door to further exploration into advanced treatments, such as nano-material-based coatings, which could offer even greater fire resistance due to their high surface area and thermal stability. Hasanagić hinted at future research directions, saying, “Future research will aim to explore the effects of nano-coatings on spruce wood, providing a more holistic understanding of the fire performance and sustainability of treated spruce wood.”
As the construction industry continues to seek sustainable and safe materials, the insights from this study will undoubtedly shape future developments in the field. By applying suitable surface coatings, it is possible to create materials that enhance fire protection and increase the longevity of wood, contributing to the development of sustainable construction materials with improved fire-retardant properties. The research, published in the journal Fire, titled “Advanced Evaluation of Fire Resistance in Spruce Wood (Picea abies spp.) Treated with Innovative Surface Coatings,” marks a significant step forward in this direction.