The latest successful application for TECNOFIRE® is composite utility poles, manufactured by Valmont Industries, Inc., a leading producer of utility structures. The composite poles are used as transmission and distribution poles and have to withstand rigorous fire testing to ensure that they maintain their integrity in the event of a fire. This requires them to pass the USA Utility Company Consortium Fire Tests and withstand temperatures of 1150°C / 2100°F without significant structural loss. Valmont incorporates one of James Cropper’s (formally TFP) infusible TECNOFIRE® grades into their composite structure which is fabricated using centrifugal casting and filament winding. The TECNOFIRE® will activate in the event of a fire to produce a stable insulating char and thereby ensure the structural integrity of the pole. Photos from the fire testing are shown below and include before, during and after images (left, centre & right respectively):
