Aircraft coatings must withstand extreme thermal conditions while maintaining structural integrity. Current coating systems face degradation at temperatures above 800°C, with conventional organic-based materials losing their protective properties within minutes of exposure to direct flame. These limitations become critical in scenarios where maintaining fuselage integrity for 30+ minutes is essential for passenger safety.

The fundamental challenge lies in developing ultra-thin coatings that provide thermal protection without adding significant weight or compromising the aerodynamic profile of the aircraft.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including intumescent epoxy systems with nano-titanium dioxide, graphene-based flame retardant coatings, and composite materials utilizing hollow glass microspheres. These and other approaches focus on achieving the necessary fire resistance while meeting strict aviation weight and durability requirements.

1. Matte Black Coating Comprising Modified Carbon Black, Nano-Titanium Oxide, and Carbon Nanotubes with Enhanced Flame Retardancy

千浪化研新材料有限公司, 2024

A high chemical fireproof matte black coating that significantly improves flame retardancy while maintaining excellent chemical resistance. The coating comprises a combination of modified carbon black, flame retardant, nano-titanium oxide, aluminum dihydrogen phosphate, and carbon nanotubes, which work together to enhance fire resistance while maintaining the characteristic matte finish. The coating achieves superior flame retardancy through a multi-step process involving dispersion, reflux, and drying.

CN116875130B-patent-drawing

2. Composite Flame Retardant for Magnesium and Aluminum Alloys with Melamine Polyphosphate, Hollow Glass Microspheres, and Basalt Fiber

THE SECOND RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF CAAC, 2024

A composite flame retardant for magnesium and aluminum alloys that provides enhanced fire protection through a multi-component system. The material comprises a melamine polyphosphate-based flame retardant, hollow glass microspheres, and basalt fiber. The melamine polyphosphate component enhances thermal insulation, while the glass microspheres and basalt fiber contribute to smoke suppression and thermal insulation. The system achieves improved fire resistance through a multi-layer structure that isolates heat sources and suppresses heat transfer. The material demonstrates effective performance in real-world flame impact tests, meeting stringent aviation regulations.

CN118222130A-patent-drawing

3. Ultra-Thin Intumescent Epoxy Coating with Nano-Titanium Dioxide and Hollow Glass Microspheres for Aluminum Alloy Devices

BEIJING INSTITUTE TECH, 2024

A solvent-free, ultra-thin fire retardant coating for aviation aluminum alloy devices that achieves high thermal insulation while maintaining mechanical properties. The coating comprises a specially formulated intumescent epoxy resin with nano-titanium dioxide and hollow glass microsphere fillers, which forms a dense, insulating carbon layer upon thermal expansion. This innovative coating achieves exceptional thermal performance with minimal thickness, enabling 30-minute structural integrity retention at temperatures up to 1100°C.

CN118109102A-patent-drawing

4. Fire-Resistant Coating with Functionalized TiO2-Grafted Acrylic Resin

SHENZHEN GUOXINGXIANG ADHESIVE MATERIAL CO LTD, Shenzhen Guoxingxiang Adhesive Materials Co., Ltd., 2024

A fire-resistant coating comprising a functionalized TiO2-grafted acrylic resin, comprising a preparation method and application process for fire retardant coatings. The coating comprises a TiO2-grafted acrylic resin that incorporates TiO2 nanoparticles into the acrylic matrix, and a preparation method and application process for fire retardant coatings.

CN114478961B-patent-drawing

5. Fire-Resistant Coating Comprising Epoxy-Polyamide-Ammonium Polyphosphate Matrix with Zirconium Silicate and Halloysite Additives

AKADEMIA GORNICZO HUTNICZA IM STANISLAWA STASZICA W KRAKOWIE, 2023

A fire-resistant coating for steel and reinforced concrete structures that combines thermal insulation with protection against extreme temperatures. The coating consists of a semi-liquid matrix containing a combination of epoxy, polyamide, and ammonium polyphosphate resins, with zirconium silicate and halloysite (M0, M1, and M2 formulations) incorporated to enhance thermal stability and mechanical properties. The coating undergoes pyrolysis to form a carbon-rich, thermal-insulating matrix that maintains its structural integrity even at high temperatures, while also protecting against corrosion. The coatings exhibit improved thermal resistance, mechanical strength, and adhesion compared to conventional intumescent fire retardants.

6. Matte Black Coating with Modified Carbon Black, Nano-Titanium Oxide, and Flame Retardant Agents

QIANLANG HUAYAN NEW MAT SHANGHAI CO LTD, 2023

A highly chemical-resistant fireproof matte black coating that combines exceptional flame retardancy with superior chemical resistance. The coating comprises a combination of modified carbon black, flame retardant agents, nano-titanium oxide, aluminum dihydrogen phosphate, carbon nanotubes, and antioxidants. The formulation is prepared through a multi-step process involving dispersion of the active components in a solvent, followed by mixing with an acrylic emulsion. The resulting paint exhibits exceptional fire resistance while maintaining excellent chemical resistance properties, making it suitable for applications requiring both fire protection and chemical resistance.

CN116875130A-patent-drawing

7. Fireproof Aerospace Coating with Titanium Nano-Polymer and Fluorocarbon Resin

GUANGXI HUANSHENG NEW MATERIAL TECH CO LTD, 2022

Aerospace thermal insulation fireproof coating for high-temperature applications. The coating combines titanium nano-polymer, flexible emulsion, fluorocarbon resin, hydroxyethyl cellulose, CrO3, perlite, antibacterial agent, dispersant, and thickener to achieve enhanced thermal insulation while maintaining fire resistance. The coating formulation provides superior performance in extreme environments, including high-temperature conditions and corrosive environments.

CN115160930A-patent-drawing

8. Graphene-Based Flame Retardant Coating with Modified Urea-Formaldehyde Resin and Graphene Sepiolite Integration

LIU WENXIU, 2022

A high-temperature-resistant graphene-based flame retardant coating comprising a graphene dispersion system in a urea-formaldehyde resin matrix, with specific modifications to enhance dispersion and performance. The coating comprises a graphene dispersion system comprising graphene monolithic layer structures, with a modified urea-formaldehyde resin matrix containing 5-15% graphene sepiolite. The dispersion of graphene is achieved through a controlled reaction between graphene oxide and octadecylamine, followed by a modified urea-formaldehyde resin preparation process that incorporates graphene sepiolite. This optimized formulation provides improved dispersion and performance characteristics for enhanced flame retardancy.

CN114736585A-patent-drawing

9. Flame Retardant Coating Film with Binder Resin and Dual Inorganic Substance Composition

NITTO DENKO CORP, 2021

Flame retardant coating film comprising a binder resin, a low-melting point inorganic substance, and a high-melting point inorganic substance. The film forms through a phase change process where the binder resin decomposes to form a carbide, and the low-melting point inorganic substance melts to form a flame retardant coating film that effectively blocks flame propagation.

10. Graphite-Based Paint System with Flame Retardant and Water-Resistant Properties

SEJU CO LTD, 주식회사 세주산업, YANG HONG JU, 2020

A paint system that combines flame retardancy, water resistance, and rust protection through a novel graphite-based technology. The paint employs expanded graphite particles that form a protective layer upon contact with flame, eliminating fuel and oxygen while preventing heat transfer. This graphite-based layer is reinforced with a binder resin, purified water, and anti-scattering agents, creating a durable and fire-resistant coating. The system achieves comprehensive protection against fire, heat, and moisture while maintaining the paint's water-repellent properties.

11. Water-Based Nano-Ceramic Coating with Enhanced Thermal Stability and Adhesion Properties

ANHUI NUOCHEN NEW MATERIAL CO LTD, 2019

A water-based nano-ceramic coating that combines high temperature resistance with environmental sustainability. The coating comprises a nano-ceramic material that is dispersed in a water-based formulation, achieving superior thermal stability while maintaining excellent adhesion properties. This innovative coating system enables the creation of durable, fire-resistant coatings that can be used in high-temperature applications without compromising environmental performance.

12. Graphene-Enhanced Intumescent Coating with Nanometer Ferric Oxide for Thermal Stability

GUANGDONG GOLDEN GLASS TECH LTD, 2018

High temperature-resistant fireproof coating and preparation method that enhances the flame retardant performance of existing coatings. The coating combines a graphene-based intumescent flame retardant with nanometer ferric oxide, which improves thermal stability and reduces degradation. The coating formulation balances the fire retardant's performance with excellent thermal insulation and moisture management properties, while maintaining compatibility with the substrate.

CN108641551A-patent-drawing

13. Nanostructured Fireproof Coating with Nanocomposite Material Incorporating Specific Nanoparticles for Enhanced Thermal Conductivity and Mechanical Strength

MAANSHAN LANKE REMANUFACTURING TECH CO LTD, 2018

A nanostructured fireproof coating that combines enhanced thermal protection with improved durability through nanocomposite material synthesis. The coating incorporates nanoparticles of specific materials to create a synergistic effect that enhances its fire resistance properties beyond traditional coatings. The nanocomposite material structure enables improved thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and surface durability, while maintaining the fire resistance characteristics of the underlying material. This composite coating offers enhanced performance in high-temperature environments compared to conventional coatings.

CN108070315A-patent-drawing

14. Fire-Resistant Coating with Polyester Resin, Carbon Black, and Silicate Glass Composition

ZHU YAN-PING, 2017

Fire-resistant coating comprising a polyester resin, carbon black, and silicate glass in a mass ratio of 15:10:10. The coating provides enhanced fire performance compared to conventional fire-resistant coatings.

CN107163798A-patent-drawing

15. Composite Coating with Hollow Glass Microspheres and Silica-Based Additives for Enhanced Thermal Insulation and Flame Retardancy

JIANGXI LONGZHENG TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO LTD, 2017

A flame retardant and thermal insulation coating for aircraft that combines exceptional performance characteristics. The coating comprises hollow glass microspheres, silicon carbide, nano-silica, glass hollow floating beads, aeolian sand, K-560, K-550, epoxy terminated polyether amine, β-cyclodextrin-modified amino-terminated sulfonated polybenzimidazole, 1,6-naphthylamine-1-sulfonic acid, 1,5-naphthalene disulfonic acid, polydimethylsiloxane, and methanol. The coating achieves high thermal insulation efficiency, excellent flame retardancy, and superior adhesion properties, while maintaining low density and high temperature resistance.

16. Graphite Intumescent Coating with Expandable Graphite and Silicon Carbide Fiber Composition

HEFEI INSULATE NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2017

Graphite intumescent fire retardant coating comprising 15% expandable graphite, 12% carbon fiber, 13% silicon carbide fiber, 10% ammonium polyphosphate, 12% melamine fiber, 15% pentaerythritol, 3% nano-TiO2, 12% water-based acrylic resin, 3% dispersant, 3% defoamer, and 5% pigment.

17. Fireproof Paint Composition with Polymer Base and Specific Binder-to-Polymer Ratio

GUANGXI UNIVERSITY, 2017

Fireproof paint for steel structures that combines high-performance fire retardancy with improved mechanical properties. The paint comprises a polymer base, flame retardants, and additives, with a specific ratio of binder to polymer that enhances bonding strength and thermal resistance. The paint formulation addresses the critical issue of thermal degradation of steel structures during high-temperature exposure, while maintaining its fire-resistant properties.

18. Method for Preparing Nanocomposite Coatings with Carbon Nanotubes and Silicate Precursors

JINGLAI XIANG, 2016

A method for preparing flame-resistant nanocomposite coatings that combine corrosion resistance with enhanced flame retardancy. The process involves creating a nanocomposite through a multi-step process that incorporates carbon nanotubes, intercalation agents, and a specially formulated silicate precursor. The nanocomposite is then formulated into a corrosion-resistant coating by combining it with zinc or aluminum solutions, followed by controlled pH adjustment. The resulting coating exhibits superior flame retardancy compared to conventional zinc-based coatings while maintaining excellent corrosion resistance.

19. Polyurethane-Urea Hybrid Coating with Expanded Graphite and Polyphosphate-Based Flame Retardant System

SKC CO LTD, 2016

Flame retardant polyurethane-urea hybrid coating agent composition containing expanded graphite, which provides superior flame retardancy and smoke suppression while maintaining excellent thermal stability. The composition comprises a binary system of a hardening agent and a main material, where the hardening agent is a prepolymer containing isocyanate terminal obtained from polymerizing divalent to octavalent polyether-based polyols under nitrogen atmosphere. The main material is a flame retardant composition including polyphosphate-based and inorganic flame retardants, with added polyether-based or polyester-based polyols, and chain extender.

20. Boron-Modified Phenolic Resin Coating with Controlled Oxygen and Hydrogen Content

Anhui Province Jindun Paint Co., Ltd., ANHUI JINDUN PAINT CO LTD, 2015

Fire-resistant coating for high-temperature applications that combines excellent thermal stability with improved flammability control. The coating comprises a boron-modified phenolic resin, isophthalic unsaturated polyester resin, ether-formaldehyde resin, o-xylene, ethylbenzene, thiodipropionic acid dilauryl ester, and carbon black with a controlled oxygen content and hydrogen content. The composition achieves optimal thermal resistance while maintaining flame retardancy, particularly at elevated temperatures.

CN103725150B-patent-drawing

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