Fire and heat resistant materials

摘要

A rigid composite material comprising an organic fire retardant fibrous element, an intumescent material and a structure conferring amount of a cross-linkable resin is provided. When the composite material is exposed to conditions under which charring of the fire retardant fibrous element, intumescent and resin occurs, the charred surfaces of the fire retardant fibrous element, intumescent and resin to bond together. Methods of preparing the composite material are also provided. The materials can be used in load bearing applications and are able to act as fire barriers under conditions of heat and flame.