What is CASPOL?

Indian Space Research Organisation at its Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) has developed CASPOL (Ceramic- Polymer Hybrid), a water based, ready-to-coat and easy-to-use flame proof coating having both societal and advanced end- use applications. It confers excellent flame retardant, waterproofing and thermal control properties to substrates ranging from masonry surfaces, textiles, paper, thatched leaves, wood etc to advanced materials like polyurethane and phenolic based thermal insulation foam pads.

Salient features

1. Contains no toxic materials

2. No liquid or vaporizable material (except water) 3. Human and eco-friendly

4. Brushable and sprayable

See the difference between hut having CASPOL coat and hut not having CASPOL coat

5. Low cost

Description

CASPOL is a room temperature curable, water based formulation having self-extinguishing properties, good adhesion and water repellence characteristics. It is based on ceramic composition dispersed in an aqueous polymeric emulsion containing flame retardant components. All the ingredients are dispersed in water to get a suspension of the required viscosity for application by brushing or spraying. It is having limiting oxygen index (LOI) above 40. The material coated with CASPOL will be self-extinguished within 4 seconds after removal of flame. It is also having good adhesion to the substrate surface both in dry condition and after exposing the coated foams in water shower. Foam materials can be impregnated with CASPOL by dip coating.

Applications of CASPOL

1. Launch vehicle: CASPOL is a flame proof coating, giving the required flame retardant properties to thermal protection foam pads used in Launch Vehicles.

2. Household: CASPOL can be applied over thatched leaves of the cottage roof to flameproof it in addition to increasing the life of such roofing of households, so that periodicity of the maintenance and replacement are significantly reduced. Application of CASPOL reduces the temperature inside the room and prevents water leakage. The low solar absorptivity (0.20%) and high emissivity make it a good temperature controller in sunny weather(by 5 to 6 °C)

3. Waterproofing/thermal control of concrete: CASPOL can be applied over the concrete surface of a building to prevent water seeping. The high emissivity keeps the building cool by at least 5 to 6 °C less temperature. After the application of CASPOL, water seepage problems will not be felt as CASPOL pots micro cracks and holes.

4. Railways and automobiles: CASPOL can be used as a flame retardant material in railways and automobiles where the seat cushions can be made flameproof using this material,without affecting the cushioning characteristics significantly (this has also been proven experimentally).

5. Foams in Public Transport : If the foam materials used in passenger seats are rendered flameproof, fire accidents can be reduced to a large extent. Since flame proofing of foam materials using CASPOL can be achieved through less expensive processes, there is considerable market potential for CASPOL in Indian foam market.

CASPOL can also be used for flame proofing foam materials used in auditoriums and cinema halls where chances of fire related accidents are high.