Palusol SW comprises slim-line “sandwiches” of high density fibreboard (HDF) and Palusol itself, a long-established fire resistant material comprising a mix of hydrous sodium silicate and glass fibres.
BASF describes the process of gluing Palusol to door elements as “demanding”. But, as the outer layers of Palusol SW are HDF, the panels can be easily bonded to other door components by manufacturers using commercially available wood adhesives.
The new product is supplied in various thicknesses, with a range of fire resistance times. It can also be supplied as strips for door edging.
“It gives producers far more flexibility in manufacture and design,” said BASF”s Harry Maier. “Even the eight-layered product, giving 90 minutes resistance time, is just 16mm thick. It has big potential in the UK where most internal doors are flush.”
He added that Palusol SW has already been tested to NAFTA performance standards and is about to undergo the same process in the UK.