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)
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