Intumescence – when heat causes a protective layer to form

Not all fire protection materials react in the same way when exposed to heat. While ablative materials are designed to absorb heat and thereby cool, intumescent materials change in structure: they expand and form an insulating protective layer. In three experiments, we show how varied this foaming behaviour can be. We look at the foaming factor, the resulting expansion pressure and the material’s structure.

Ablation – when thermal energy protects components

Fire protection materials can respond to heat in very different ways. While intumescent materials expand and form an insulating protective layer, ablative materials rely on a different effect: they absorb thermal energy and thereby help lower the temperature on the protected side. We explain how this cooling effect works, why it matters particularly in confined installation spaces, and how this effect is demonstrated in the test setup.

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in Passive Fire Protection

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) provide structured environmental information on construction products and are becoming increasingly important. They enhance transparency regarding the environmental impacts of building components and support designers and specifiers in assessing products within the context of an entire building. EPDs are neither an evaluation nor a sustainability label; rather, they constitute an objective data basis that makes environmental aspects visible and comparable alongside functional performance – particularly for safety-critical components such as fire doors.

PYRO-SAFE® B SX 3201 – the bulwark against battery fires

PYRO-SAFE® B SX 3201 is a high-performance sealing solution for battery applications where effective fire protection is paramount. In the event of an emergency, it holds back flames, heat and released particulates to prevent their uncontrolled spread.

Mann McGowan and KuhnOdice Ltd Complete Merger to form KuhnOdice UK Ltd

Mann McGowan and KuhnOdice Ltd (formerly CH Materials) are pleased to announce the successful completion of their merger, officially uniting under the new company name KuhnOdice UK Ltd.

Green natural landscape with trees and leaves.

From free melamine to melamine-free – our path to a reliable and sustainable portfolio

Melamine is used in intumescent materials as a blowing agent, which expands significantly when exposed to heat, thereby preventing the passage of fire and smoke. However, in 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) classified melamine as a substance of very high concern. KuhnOdice is responding to this development and aims to offer a completely melamine-free product range by the end of 2027.

Mehrstöckige Aussenfassade eines Gebäudes aus Brandschutzglas.

Safety with foresight: Fire protection solutions for architecture and glass design

Contemporary architecture embodies transparency, openness and lightness. What material could capture and convey these qualities more perfectly than glass? In addition to its aesthetic appeal, safety aspects also play a key role. Fire-resistant glass and suitable fire-resistant glazing accessories are required to effectively contain fire, smoke and heat. Only the right combination of all components can ensure comprehensive protection.

Glazed entrance façade of an office building.

KuhnOdice joins new umbrella brand Saverto

svt Group is realigning its product division: Under the new umbrella brand Saverto, its product brands will be consolidated internationally. A central element of this strategic reorganization is the merger of Rolf Kuhn and Odice to form the new entity KuhnOdice. This marks the emergence of an European provider of OEM solutions in the industry segment.

The Deutsche Bahn Ideenzug photographed from outside in its exhibition space.

Vibration isolation meets passive fire protection: Dual protection in one product

Developed specifically for railway vehicles, REGUFOAM FR effectively reduces noise and vibration while meeting stringent fire safety requirements. In our video podcast Andreas Pfitzinger, Product Manager for Transportation at KuhnOdice and Steffen Blecher, Sales Director of the Acoustics Division at REGUPOL discuss the background and successes of their collaboration.

Train station with incoming trains at the platform.

Fire safety requirements on rolling stock

Whether it is cables, seat upholstery, small attachments, or coatings – every installation material must comply with the applicable fire safety requirements for rolling stock. Over 90% of our classified fire protection products comply with the HL3 standard requirements, making them approved for use on rolling stock of any design category.

Battery housing with fire protection material reinforced lid.

Lightweight solutions for battery cases

The requirements and demands on modern batteries are increasing at the same time: “Minimum weight – maximum performance” is the prime principle to go by in state-of-the-art battery development and design. In order to adapt to this demand in the area of fire protection as well, KuhnOdice, in cooperation with SAERTEX, has developed a solution to realise fire-proof lightweight designs of battery cases.

Fire protection seals in various cast forms laid side by side.

A new generation of intumescent seals

Intumescent seals are essential structural elements providing wide-ranging protection against thermal and acoustic impacts. KERAFIX® Everseal brand intumescent seals go even further: In the event of a fire, they expand to form a solid barrier, preventing flames and smoke from passing through. These innovative seals, manufactured by coextrusion, transform high-quality doors into comprehensive fireproof barriers.

Particle impact test with SAERTEX LEO® COATED FABRIC composite material.

Battery fire testing

Since today’s battery systems are susceptible to generating temperatures of over 1,500 °C, which makes them prone to explosion if a lithium battery fire occurs, effective burn-through protection in the event of a battery fire as well as protection against the release of substances toxic to health and the environment are indispensable. This protection can best be ensured by conducting dedicated lithium battery fire tests that are capable of rising to the challenge and averting disaster.

A fire protection barrier for several cables routed through a wall on a ship.

Cable penetration sealing systems on ships

Electrical fires are among the most common causes of onboard incidents, making it crucial to clear the decks and implement robust fire protection measures without delay. Particular attention must be given to cables and cable penetrations, as they pose significant safety risks.

Production line for lithium-ion batteries.

Fire protection in the battery cycle

Effective battery protection covers the battery’s entire life cycle: It begins at the stage of cell production and then extends all the way from the battery’s first charging cycle and safe transport to the place of use through to the removal of old systems or systems with issues.