26. The problem with using Shore D hardness for intumescent coatings (Feat. Michael Hollman)

Summary

An intumescent coating can be qualified or disqualified for use simply because it falls above or below a certain magical hardness level, usually as measured on the Shore D scale. But hardness has no influence on performance, and the Shore D scale just doesn’t make sense when assessing softer intumescent technology types. Fireproofing industry veteran Michael Hollman explains the consequences of misusing Shore D hardness in intumescent coating specifications.

Also, Michael worries that his brother-in-law might soon beat him at snooker.

Timestamps

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 03:01 - How the industry's understanding of hardness has evolved
• 05:55 - Durometers' importance in measuring coating hardness
• 07:31 - Matching different Shore scales to different coating technologies
• 09:39 - When standards are "cut-and-pasted" without context
• 13:34 - Harder is not universally better
• 18:15 - Elasticity, damage resistance, and impact recovery
• 21:12 - Viewing Shore values as a reference point, not a product differentiator
• 22:40 - The four questions