The effect of microencapsulation of dihydrogen ammonium phosphate (MAP) in the generation of fire-resistant coatings was studied in the presence of tannins extracted from Pinus radiata. MAP was encapsulated to avoid interaction with sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), which, upon contact with fire, generates unwanted gases. Thus, a fireproof (or intumescent) protective film was produced in the presence of the tannins. Microcapsules were polymerized with melamine and characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). The microcapsules were spherical with diameters between 0.7 and 1 µm. The as-produced microcapsules were mixed with tannin extract and the properties of their films were evaluated on wood and structural steel substrates; their fire resistance on medium density fiberboard was also evaluated. Flame resistance tests showed a carbonization index of 26.86% using microcapsules (3% w/w); this is better than commercial coatings. The film properties were similar to commercial coatings, but the adherence was slightly decreased due to agglomeration and also film flexibility.

In this study, the tannins extracted from the Pinus radiata bark were used to develop an active–passive dual paint scheme with intumescent (IN) and fire-resistant (FR) behaviors. The properties of the coating were observed to depend on the concentration of high-molecular-weight tannins (H-MWT) incorporated into the formulation. At high concentrations (13% w/w), the coating exhibits fire-retardant properties due to the generation of a carbonaceous layer; however, at low concentrations (2.5% w/w), it generates an intumescent effect due to the formation of a carbonaceous foam layer. The dual IN–FR scheme was evaluated against fire by flame advance tests, carbonization index, mass loss, and intumescent effect, and was also compared to a commercial coating. The dual scheme presented good mechanical properties with a pull-off adhesion value of 0.76 MPa and an abrasion index of 54.7% at 1000 cycles, when using a coating with a high solid content (>60%) and the same thickness as those of the commercial coatings. The results of the fire resistance test indicate that the dual scheme generates a protective effect for wood and metal, with an excellent performance that is comparable to that of a commercial intumescent coating.