Definition
Paint that thickens and foams when exposed to prolonged high temperature (fire). The foam thus formed creates thermal insulation. Intumescent paints are used to protect metal reinforcements in case of fire. A temperature of 200°C is generally required to trigger intumescence. Intumescent paints cannot under any circumstances be used to protect a carbon fiber reinforced polymer from fire (the glass transition temperature of the polymer is approximately 80 to 90°C).
