TWI Frequently asked questions

What is Barrikade ^TM?

by Caroline Williams

Invented by TWI, Barrikade ^TM is a novel, fire-resistant and thermally insulating material. It consists of vermiculite particles bonded with an alkali-silicate based binder.

The specific physical and chemical properties of Barrikade ^TM make it a versatile material, allowing fabrication of shapes which have low density, are inert and non-combustible, and exhibit good thermal insulating properties.

Forms available	Rigid panels, moulded shapes, coatings
Composition	Exfoliated vermiculite particles bonded with a blended silicate binder. (Alternative ceramic binders can be used)
Structure	Open cellular structure
Thermal conductivity	0.10-0.20 Wm -1K -1
Density	150-350 kgm -3
Temperature limit	700°C (continuous use) 1050°C (discontinuous use)
Compression strength	0.70 MPa (for = 250 kgm -3)
Flexural strength	0.10-0.60 MPa (unlaminated*)
Organic content	Nil
Asbestos content	Nil
Machinability	Good

* Laminating Barrikade (i.e. applying a skin of an appropriate material such as a metal or wood) produces a system with significantly higher strengths and extremely good toughness.

Further information

• Where can Barrikade be used?
• How is Barrikade made?
• Heat insulation and fire resistance using composite materials
• 'The heat in the sandwich: home-grown fire resistant composite out-performs competitors' (TWI Industrial Members only)

Last Reviewed 2002 / Copyright © 2002 TWI Ltd