A STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF BORIC ACID AS A FLAME RETARDANT IN WHITE ENAMEL PAINT

Abstract

Flammability characteristics of enamel white paint were altered with different concentrations
of boric acid crystals to determine its effects as a flame retardant in paints. A control and four
different concentrations of Boric acid solutions were used. The characteristics investigated
were: Flame Velocity, Add-on %. After Glow Time. Cellulose Burnt %. Flame Velocity % and
the length of the timber completely burnt. From this research work it was found that Boric acid
is a good flame retardant in paints with enhanced effect at increased concentrations. Therefore,
boric acid can be used to reduce the devastating effect of fire incidence.