Expanded Graphite Technology: The Science Behind Nullifire's Firestopping Patented Solution
Expanded Graphite Technology: The Science Behind Nullifire's Firestopping Patented Solution
At the heart of some of Nullifire’s most effective firestopping innovations—like the FZ400 movement joint filler—lies an advanced material that transforms under extreme heat: expanded graphite. This high-performance technology plays a crucial role in passive fire protection, enabling Nullifire to create intelligent solutions that react instantly when exposed to fire and protecting buildings and occupants.
What Is Expanded Graphite?
Expanded graphite starts its life as natural graphite flakes. These are chemically treated to insert compounds between the layers (intercalation) and then rapidly heated. The sudden increase in temperature causes the graphite to "expand" up to 300 times its original volume, forming a lightweight, worm-like material.
The Role in Fire Protection
When exposed to high temperatures, expanded graphite intumesces—that is, it swells up significantly, forming an insulating char layer that can resist smoke, heat, and flames. This makes it an essential component in passive fire protection systems, particularly those designed to seal around service penetrations, cables, ducts, and movement joints made from combustible materials.
At Nullifire, this material is used to power products like:
- FZ400 – A high-performance movement joint filler designed to provide up to 120 minutes of fire resistance. The graphite within FZ400 enables it to expand rapidly and reliably when exposed to heat, closing off voids and maintaining compartmentalisation within a building.
Key Benefits of Expanded Graphite in Nullifire Products
- Rapid Expansion: Reacts instantly to fire, filling gaps and maintaining the fire compartment.
- High Thermal Stability: Performs in extreme conditions.
- Flexible and Compressible: Fits around complex shapes and services with ease.
Trusted Performance Backed by Testing
All Nullifire firestopping solutions, including those using expanded graphite like FZ400, undergo rigorous testing and certification to meet international fire safety standards. This ensures they perform precisely as required in real fire scenarios—giving specifiers, contractors, and building owners total peace of mind.
The Future of Firestopping
As the construction industry continues to evolve—with increasing demands for high-performance, sustainable materials—expanded graphite is being used in Nullifire products. Discover the FZ400 movement joint filler now.
