Interchar 973 is a fire protection coating. With its fast-drying and rapid-recoating properties, Interchar 973 is suitable for both on-site and off-site application and can be applied over a range of approved primer systems. A one-component, solvent-borne, high-solids intumescent fire protection coating, independently tested and assessed for fire performance on structural steel, meeting a range of relevant standards. To achieve the dry film thickness specified in the standards or regulations of the country of application, Interchar 973 may require multiple coats. Parameters on this page: volume solids 70% ± 2%, theoretical spreading rate 1 m²/L, number of components one-component.
Parameter source: AKZONOBEL manufacturer's Technical Data Sheet (TDS) “Interchar 973”; values such as spreading rate are converted from TDS parameters and are for product 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 | 70% ± 2% |
|---|---|
| Dry Film Thickness | — |
| Theoretical Spreading Rate | 1 m²/L |
| VOC | 2.83 lb/gal (340 g/L) US Environmental Protection Agency Method 24, 26… |
| Density / Specific Gravity | 1.34 kg/L (11.2 lb/gal) |
| Number of Components | One-component |
| Flash Point | 4°C (39°F) |
| Thinner | Not recommended |
| Mixing Ratio | N/A |
For more Q&A on selection, application, acceptance and defect diagnosis, seeFAQsection.
A one-component, solvent-borne, high-solids intumescent fire protection coating, independently tested and assessed for fire performance on structural steel, meeting a range of relevant standards.
Provides a maximum fire resistance rating of 2 hours for "I"-section steel, steel beams and steel columns.
With its fast-drying and rapid-recoating properties, Interchar 973 is suitable for both on-site and off-site application and can be applied over a range of approved primer systems.
INTERCHAR colour white, light grey 973
| Gloss | Matt |
|---|---|
| Volume Solids | 70% ± 2% (measured in accordance with ISO 3233 and ICF method) |
| Typical thickness | 300–700 µm (12–28 mil) dry film thickness, equivalent to 429–1000 µm (17.2–40 mil) wet film thickness; the typical film thickness is achieved in a single coat |
| Theoretical Spreading Rate | At 700 µm dry film thickness and the stated volume solids, 1 m²/L; at 28 mil dry film thickness and the stated volume solids, 40 ft²/US gal |
| Practical Spreading Rate | Allowing for a suitable loss factor |
| Application Methods | Airless spray, brush; drying time; recoat interval |
| Temperature | Surface Dry | Hard Dry | Minimum | Maximum |
| 10°C (50°F) | 60 min | 24 h | 8 h | Unlimited¹ |
| 15°C (59°F) | 45 min | 20 h | 6 h | Unlimited¹ |
| 25°C (77°F) | 30 min | 16 h | 4 h | Unlimited¹ |
¹ Refer to the “Definitions and Abbreviations” of the Industrial Protective Coatings division of International Paint. Immediately after application of the final coat of Interchar 973, a sealer coat shall be applied (at least 2–4 h for Intersheen 54 and 579; 24 h for Interthane 870 or Interthane 990). The dry film thickness must, however, be checked to ensure the specified thickness has been reached before the sealer coat is applied.
The drying times listed in the table above are measured at a typical dry film thickness of 700 µm (28 mil).
If the temperature is 25 °C (77 °F) or above, use the tropical grade. See 'Product Characteristics'.
| Flash Point | 4°C (39°F) |
|---|---|
| Product weight | 1.34 kg/L (11.2 lb/gal) |
| Volatile Organic Compounds | 2.83 lb/gal (340 g/L) US Environmental Protection Agency Method 24; 267 g/kg EU Solvent Emissions Directive |
| Content | Council Directive No. 13 of 1999. For further details, refer to the section on “Product Characteristics”. |
All surfaces to be coated must be clean, dry and free of contamination. Before painting, all surfaces must be assessed and prepared in accordance with ISO 8504:2000.
Oil and grease must be removed in accordance with the SSPC-SP1 solvent cleaning standard.
Primed surfaces: Interchar 973 shall always be applied over the recommended anti-corrosive primer. The primer surface shall be dry and free from any contamination; Interchar 973 must be applied within the specified recoat interval (refer to the relevant product data sheet).
Areas of breakdown, damage and the like shall be prepared to the specified standard (for example Sa2½ (ISO 8501-1:2007) or SSPC SP6 abrasive blast cleaning standard, or SSPCSP11 power tool cleaning standard) and the primer repaired before Interchar 973 is applied.
For further details on surface preparation, refer to the application guide for the Interchar acrylic series.
Substrates pre-primed with zinc-rich primer: Interchar 973 can be applied over a certified epoxy zinc-rich primer that has been recoated with a tie coat.
Ensure the primer surface is clean, dry and free from contamination before application of Interchar 973. The recommended tie coat is Intergard 269 or Intergard276.
| Mixing | This coating is single-component and shall be stirred thoroughly with a power stirrer before application. |
|---|---|
| Mixing ratio | N/A |
| Airless Spray | Recommended: nozzle diameter 0.48–0.58 mm (19–23 mil); total paint pressure at the nozzle not less than 246 kg/cm² (3498 psi) |
| Air Spray | Not recommended (with pressure pot) |
| Brush | Suitable for small areas and repair; multiple coats are required to achieve the dry film thickness. |
| Roller application | Not recommended |
| Thinner | Not recommended |
| Cleaner | International GTA007 |
| Interruption of work | Material must not be left in the spray hose, spray gun or spray equipment. Clean the above equipment thoroughly with International GTA 007. After storage in partially filled containers, surface skinning or an increase in viscosity may occur. |
| Cleaning | All equipment should be cleaned immediately after use with International GTA 007. Flushing spray equipment periodically during daily work is good practice. Cleaning frequency depends on the volume sprayed, temperature, spraying time, including delays, and other factors. |
All surplus paint and empty containers must be disposed of in accordance with the relevant local laws/regulations.
Detailed Interchar 973 application instructions shall be obtained by consultation before use.
When Interchar 973 is applied by brush, multiple coats are necessary to achieve the specified total system dry film thickness.
To achieve the dry film thickness specified in the standards or regulations of the country of application, Interchar 973 may require multiple coats. The maximum dry film thickness obtainable in a single coat is 700 µm.
Over-application of Interchar 973 will extend the minimum recoat interval and the handling time. The handling time, as a function of total system dry film thickness, humidity and ventilation rate, will vary with these conditions. Drying time is extended at higher film thicknesses.
For optimum application and drying, the air and steel substrate temperature shall be above 10 °C (50 °F), with a relative humidity below 85%. The surface temperature to be coated shall be at least 3 °C (5 °F) above the dew point.
Ensure adequate ventilation when Interchar 973 is applied in confined spaces.
| The final surface appearance of the product depends on the application method. | Airless spray should be used for surfaces with high decorative requirements. |
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Interchar 973 is suitable for C3 environments (in accordance with ISO 12944) when an appropriate primer and sealer are selected. For specific recommendations, contact International Paint Industrial Coatings.
The Interchar 973 coating must be protected at all times from standing or running water, condensation/high humidity and chemical attack. This is particularly important during application. Refer to the application manual for further information.
The Interchar 973 coating is not suitable for immersion in water.
The sealer applied over Interchar 973 must form a continuous, defect-free film.
Interchar 973 holds a range of standard approvals; for further information, contact the International Paint department.
Note: VOC values are typical and for guidance only. They may vary with colour and general production tolerances.
Tropical Grade: to improve product application performance in hotter climates, the tropical grade product may be used. The tropical grade product has the following characteristics. Volume solids 68 ± 2%;
Flash point 26°C (79°F).
Drying time and recoat interval
| Temperature | Surface Dry | Hard Dry | Minimum | Maximum |
| 25°C (77°F) | 2 h | 24 h | Unlimited¹ | |
| 40°C (104°F) | 1 h | 20 h | Unlimited¹ | |
¹ See Definitions and Abbreviations from the International Paint Protective Coatings division.
The following primers are approved for use with Interchar 973
| Intercure 200 | Intercure 200HS |
|---|---|
| Intergard 251 | Intergard 269 |
| Intergard 276 | Interplate 398 |
| Interprime 306 | Interseal 670HS Interzinc 42 The following topcoats are approved for use with Interchar 973 |
| Interfine 878 | Intersheen 579 |
| Interthane 870 | Interthane 990 Topcoat Where a polysiloxane coating is required, a tie coat must be applied over the Interchar 973 film. For further recommendations, contact International Protective Coatings. |
| For further information on the industry standards, terms and abbreviations used in this datasheet, see www.international-pc.com | See the following documents on the website: • Definitions and abbreviations • Surface preparation • Coating application • Theoretical and practical spreading rate • Interchar application manual Separate copies of these sections are available on request. |
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This product is intended for application only by professional applicators in the industrial sector, in accordance with the recommendations in this manual, the Material Safety Data Sheet and on the container packaging. 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, consult International Paint.
| Packaging Specifications | ||
| Volume | Packaging | |
| 20 L | 20 L | |
| 5 US gal | 5 US gal |
For other available packaging sizes, contact International Paint.
Packaging Specifications
| 20 L | 29.2 kg |
|---|---|
| 5 US gal | 56.2 lb |
| Shelf life | At least 12 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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©2011/8/12 AKZONOBEL. All rights reserved.
International and all products mentioned in this document are trademarks of AkzoNobel or trademarks authorised by AkzoNobel.
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Information is subject to the manufacturer's latest version; the manufacturer's latest TDS prevails.
The technical parameters on this page are taken from the product's original manufacturer technical datasheet, the copyright of which belongs to the manufacturer. If a rights holder considers the presentation inappropriate, contact us for verification and handling.
Packaging specifications and batch lead times are subject to actual availability. PleaseContact Uscontact us for project-based calculation.
