Fire Retardant Gelcoat (IMO Compliant)

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Key Features

  • IMO A.653(16) and SOLAS compliant fire performance
  • Halogenated isophthalic base for flame retardancy + marine hydrolytic resistance
  • Limiting Oxygen Index ≥ 28 indicating self-extinguishing behavior
  • Pre-accelerated for standard MEKP cure
  • Available in white and light gray for marine interiors

This fire retardant gelcoat is formulated on a halogenated isophthalic resin base with synergistic antimony trioxide to meet the flame spread and smoke emission requirements of IMO Resolution A.653(16) and SOLAS fire safety standards for use on passenger vessels, offshore structures, and commercial marine applications. The halogen content contributes to vapor-phase flame inhibition while the isophthalic base maintains adequate hydrolytic resistance for marine service. The product is available in white and light gray colors. Viscosity and thixotropy are adjusted for spray application at 0.4–0.6 mm wet film thickness. Cobalt pre-accelerated, gel time with 1.5% MEKP at 20°C is 25–45 min. Barcol hardness post-cure is 42–50. The gelcoat meets fire test requirements when evaluated as part of a complete FRP laminate system — fire test certification is laminate-dependent and must be verified for the specific structural system. Smoke and toxicity values comply with standard marine fire safety tests. Shelf life 6 months at 18–22°C.

Specifications

ParameterValue
AppearanceWhite or gray thixotropic paste
Resin BaseHalogenated Isophthalic UPR
Shelf Life6 months at 18–22°C
Flame Spread RatingIMO A.653(16) compliant
Barcol Hardness (post-cure)42–50
Gel Time (20°C, 1.5% MEKP)25–45 min
LOI (Limiting Oxygen Index)≥ 28
Film Thickness (recommended)0.4–0.6 mm

Applications

Passenger vessel interiors and exterior panels (SOLAS)Offshore platform and rig structural FRPCommercial marine superstructures and bulkheadsPublic transport vehicle composite panelsBuilding facade panels requiring fire classification

FAQ

No. IMO fire certification applies to the complete laminate system, not just the gelcoat. The test panels must include the full build — gelcoat plus all structural laminate layers — as actually used in the vessel. The complete system must be fire-tested by an approved laboratory and certified by the classification society. This gelcoat is formulated to support IMO-compliant systems, but the system integrator is responsible for obtaining panel-level certification.

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