Interchar 3120 modified epoxy intumescent fire protection coating belongs to fire protection paints in the epoxy paint system. Interchar 3120 uses durable epoxy resin technology to provide a material that allows steel products to be fabricated and fire-protected away from the construction site. Interchar 3120 is a general-purpose, two-component, modified epoxy intumescent fire protection coating that protects against cellulosic fire and combines high quality with aesthetic requirements. When a multi-coat system is used, keeping the recoat interval as short as possible achieves ideal intercoat adhesion. Parameters on this page: volume solids 100%, tested to ISO 3233; number of components: two-component.
Parameter source: AKZONOBEL manufacturer's Technical Data Sheet (TDS) "Interchar 3120 Modified Epoxy Intumescent Fire Protection Coating"; values such as spreading rate are converted from TDS parameters and are for selection reference only.
The above content is compiled from the manufacturer's datasheet and this site's parameter tables. For selection, coating systems and lead times, pleaseContact Usfor confirmation.
This page carries the full TDS for this product, translated from the manufacturer's original document. No file download is needed; for an original-language copy, send an enquiry.
| Volume Solids | 100%, tested according to ISO 3233 |
|---|---|
| Dry Film Thickness | — |
| Theoretical Spreading Rate | — |
| VOC | 0.17 lb/gal (21 g/L) US EPA Method 24 0 g… |
| Density / Specific Gravity | — |
| Number of Components | Two-component |
| Thinner | International GTA007 is normally diluted with up to 8% solvent by volume … |
| Mixing Ratio | 2.5 parts : 1 part by weight |
| Colour / Appearance | Light grey (Component A black; Component B white), INTERCHAR 3120 |
For more Q&A on selection, application, acceptance and defect diagnosis, seeFAQsection.
Interchar 3120 is a general-purpose, two-component, modified epoxy intumescent fire protection coating that protects against cellulosic fire and combines high quality with aesthetic requirements.
Interchar 3120 is a low-VOC, boron-free coating for fire protection of steel structures.
This product is suitable for open and closed structural sections after independent testing, assessment, and certification.
Interchar 3120 is a spray-applied material and does not require any form of reinforcement.
Helps maintain the integrity of steel structures in cellulosic fires. Typical structures requiring this protection include a wide range of commercial, industrial, public, and transport buildings, such as airport terminals, leisure facilities, conference centres, high-rise buildings, educational facilities, shopping centres, industrial complexes, and hotels.
Interchar 3120 uses durable epoxy resin technology to provide a material that allows steel products to be fabricated and fire-protected away from the construction site.
Interchar 3120 is designed for versatile application and can be applied directly to steel or approved primers.
In addition, Interchar 3120 can be applied to I-sections, hollow sections, and cellular beams using single-pump or dual-pump equipment.
| Colour | Light grey (Component A black; Component B white), INTERCHAR 3120 |
|---|---|
| Gloss | Semi-gloss |
| Volume Solids | 100%, tested according to ISO 3233 |
| Typical thickness | The applied film thickness depends on the required protection and is generally in the range 0.5–8 mm (typical thickness 2 mm per coat). |
| Theoretical Spreading Rate | 1 kg of Interchar 3120 provides a 1 mm fire protection coating over 0.725 m². |
| Practical Spreading Rate | Allowing for a suitable loss factor |
| Application Methods | Suitable for airless spray; drying time; recoat interval. |
| Temperature | Surface Dry | Hard Dry | Minimum | Maximum |
| 10°C (50°F) | 16 h | 33 h | 6 h | Unlimited¹ |
| 15°C (59°F) | 16 h | 22 h | 6 h | Unlimited¹ |
| 25°C (77°F) | 7 h | 16 h | 6 h | Unlimited¹ |
| 40°C (104°F) | 3 h | 4 h | 6 h | Unlimited¹ |
¹ See "Definitions and Abbreviations" from the International Industrial Protective Coatings department. All drying time data are calculated at a typical thickness of 2 mm.
| Flash point (typical) | Component A >111 °C (232 °F); Component B >111 °C (232 °F); mixed >111 °C (232 °F) |
|---|---|
| Volatile Organic Compounds | 0.17 lb/gal (21 g/L) US EPA Method 24 0 g/kg EC Solvent Emissions Directive content (EU Council Directive 2010/75/EU) Coating hazard GB 30981.2-S-Pb≤1000-NC compliant with GB 30981.2-2025. For more detailed information, see the section on "Product Characteristics". |
All steel surfaces to be coated must be clean, dry and free of contamination. Before application, all surfaces must be assessed and prepared in accordance with ISO 8504:2000.
Oil and grease must be removed by solvent cleaning in accordance with SSPC-SP1.
Steel surfaces must undergo abrasive blast cleaning and appropriate priming. Abrasive blast cleaning must achieve at least Sa2½ (ISO 8501-1:2007) or SSPC-SP6. The steel surface profile must be at least 50 µm (2 mil). Primer selection depends on the final exposure environment of the fire protection system.
In certain service environments, Interchar 3120 can be applied directly to abrasive blast-cleaned steel; refer to International recommendations. Surface abrasive blast cleaning must achieve at least Sa2½ (ISO 8501-1:2007) or SSPC SP6. Surface profile must be at least 50 µm (2 mil). Application must take place before oxidation of the blast-cleaned surface.
Interchar 3120 can also be applied to galvanized steel surfaces. The surface must be sweep-blasted to provide a profile comparable to Sa 1 (ISO 8501-1), SSPC-SP7, or NACE No. 4. Sweep blasting typically achieves a profile of 12–25 µm (0.6–1.0 mil). An approved primer must be applied after sweep blasting.
Interchar 3120 can be applied directly to carbon steel substrates (ISO 8501/BS7079) when used in corrosivity category C3 (ISO 12944-2) and below. Consult International for further information.
| Mixing | If airless spray or brush application is used, Interchar 3120 must first be thoroughly stirred. The two components should be stored at a minimum of 15°C (59°F) for 24 h and mechanically stirred thoroughly before mixing. |
|---|---|
| Mixing ratio | 2.5 parts : 1 part by weight |
| Pot life | 20°C (68°F) | 40°C (104°F) |
| 45 min | 30 min |
| Plural-component airless spray | Suitable | Heated dual-pump equipment. Refer to the application specification manual. |
| Suitable for airless spray | Recommended | Single-pump spray equipment, compression ratio 70:1 |
Nozzle diameter 0.63–0.74 mm (25–29 thou)
| Brush | Suitable – for small-area repair only. Suitable for small areas and repair; multiple coats are required to achieve the specified dry film thickness. |
|---|---|
| Roller application | Not recommended |
| Thinner | International GTA007 is typically used for dilution at up to 8% by volume. For optimum results, refer to the Interchar 3120 application specification manual. |
| Cleaner | International GTA822 |
| Interruption of work | Do not leave paint in hoses, spray guns or spray equipment. Flush all equipment thoroughly with GTA822 |
| Cleaning | All equipment should be cleaned immediately after use with International thinner. Flushing spray equipment periodically during daily work is good practice. Cleaning frequency depends on the volume sprayed, temperature, spraying time, including interruptions, and other factors. |
Surplus paint and empty containers must be disposed of in accordance with the relevant regional regulations.
Ensure adequate ventilation when applying Interchar 3120 in confined spaces.
Do not apply when steel or ambient temperature is below 5°C (41°F) or relative humidity is above 85%. This product does not cure fully below 5°C (41°F). For optimum performance, ambient temperature should be above 10°C (50°F).
The temperature of the surface to be coated must be at least 3 °C (5 °F) above the dew point.
As with all epoxy coatings, exterior exposure of Interchar 3120 will cause chalking and colour variation. These phenomena do not impair fire protection performance.
Where an aesthetic finish is required, the recommended topcoat must be applied.
With multi-coat systems, keep the recoat interval as short as possible to achieve ideal intercoat adhesion.
Interchar 3120 is tested and assessed in accordance with the following standards/guidance: • BS 476 Parts 20–22 – ASFP Yellow Book Rev 5 assessment • EN 13381-8 testing and assessment • EN 13381-9 cellular beam testing and assessment • ASFP Yellow Book Rev 5 cellular beam assessment • Australian Standards AS 1530.4-2014 and AS 4100.
• GB 14907-2018 (consult AKZONOBEL for GB-specified items). Although low-molecular-weight reactive additives become part of the film after curing under normal ambient conditions, analysis by EPA Method 24 has found that they also affect the VOC value.
Interchar 3120 has been tested as part of coating systems for use over a range of approved primer systems in fire conditions.
| Intercure 200HS | Intergard 2575 |
|---|---|
| Intergard 251 | Intergard 269 |
| Intergard 2511 | Interseal 1052 |
| Intergard 251HS | Interseal 670HS |
| Intergard 2509 | For Interzinc 52, the following topcoats are recommended for use with Interchar 3120: Interfine 1080, Interfine 878, Interfine 979, Interthane 870, Interthane 990, Interthane 990SG |
| For further information on the industry standards, terms and abbreviations used in this datasheet, see www.international-pc.com | In the following documents on the website: • Definitions and abbreviations • Surface preparation • Coating application • Theoretical and practical spreading rate. These sections are also available as separate publications on request. |
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This product must be applied at the production site by professional applicators in accordance with the recommendations in this manual, the Material Safety Data Sheet and the instructions on the container label. Do not use this product without first reviewing the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) that International Paint provides for its customers.
All work related to the application and use of this product must be carried out in accordance with the relevant national health, safety and environmental standards and regulations.
If welding or flame cutting is required on metal coated with this product, dust and fumes will be generated; use appropriate personal protective equipment and adequate local ventilation.
If in doubt about the suitability of this product for the intended use, consult AkzoNobel for further advice.
| Packaging Specifications | Component A | Component B | ||
| Weight | Packaging | Weight | Packaging | |
| 25 kg | 17.86 kg | 20 L | 7.14 kg | 5 L |
For other packaging sizes, contact AkzoNobel.
| Packaging Specifications | Component A | Component B |
| 25 kg | 19.65 kg | 7.69 kg |
| Shelf life | 18 months at 25 °C (77 °F). Thereafter, inspection is required. Store in a dry, cool environment away from heat and sources of ignition. |
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The information given in this product data sheet is not exhaustive. Anyone who uses, for any purpose, any product other than those specifically recommended in this data sheet without first obtaining our written confirmation does so at their own risk as regards the suitability of the product for the intended purpose. Although to the best of our knowledge all advice or statements given about the product (whether in this data sheet or otherwise) are correct, we cannot control the quality or condition of the substrate, nor the many factors affecting the use and application of the product. Accordingly, unless we specifically agree otherwise in writing, we accept no liability, to the maximum extent permitted by law, for any product performance problem arising, or for any loss or damage caused by use of the product. We hereby disclaim any warranty or representation, express or implied, arising by operation of law or otherwise, including but not limited to any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. All products supplied and all technical guidance provided are subject to our standard terms and conditions of sale. You should obtain a copy of this document and read it carefully. The information contained in this product data sheet may be amended at any time in the light of experience and of our product development policy. Before using the product, it is the customer's responsibility to check with the local representative that the data sheet in their possession is the latest version.
This product data sheet is available on www.international-marine.com or www.international-pc.com and should be identical to this copy. If the version on the website differs from this one, the version on the website shall prevail.
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Data is subject to the manufacturer's latest version; in all cases the manufacturer's latest TDS prevails.
Packaging specifications and batch lead times are subject to actual availability. PleaseContact Uscontact us for project-based calculation.
