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New paint technology developed at UNSW to help fire-proof homes is a joint winner in The Australian Financial Review Higher Education Awards 2024 research commercialisation category.
The winners of all seven categories in The Australian Financial Review Higher Education Awards 2024, which recognise and celebrate the outstanding efforts of Australian universities during the past year, have been announced.
‘Receiving this award is a genuine honour reflecting not just individual achievements but the collaborative spirit and innovative mindset of those who have supported and inspired our team at UNSW. It highlights the power of partnerships and pushing boundaries to advance knowledge and excellence for commercial, environmental and community benefit.‘ Justin Rooney, Managing Director and Co-founder, Flame Security International
UNSW’s Professor Guan Yeoh, who was involved in developing the paint, says it uses a non-toxic compound to create an insulating barrier, which is like a layer of charcoal, effectively deflecting the heat from a bushfire. A big advantage is the paint doesn’t need to be applied with special equipment.
“It can be brushed or sprayed as an undercoat on to existing render, timber, aluminium, steel, concrete, plasterboard and brick,” he says.
“The paint can be covered with standard coloured topcoat without affecting its fire-retardant properties.”
