Fire-retardant coating to combat bushfires
»Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ x Flame Security International
collaborated with »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ to develop FIRECOAT, a fire-retardant coating designed to protect buildings and infrastructure from the catastrophic effects of bushfires.
The project, which involved research, testing, and commercialisation, has resulted in a product that is available in Australia (Bunnings) and the US (ACE Hardware). FIRECOAT is also being evaluated by Transport for NSW for use across their network.
We partnered on:
Australian Financial Review
Shaping Australia Awards
Knowledge Commercialisation Australia
- Challenge
- Solution
- Outcome
Challenge
Wildfires pose significant threats to both Australia and the United States, resulting in substantial property damage, environmental degradation, and loss of life. In Australia, the 2019-2020 bushfire season, known as ‘Black Summer,’ devastated approximately 46 million acres, 3,000+ homes and resulted in 33 direct fatalities.
Similarly, the United States has faced increasingly severe wildfire seasons. In January 2025 (winter), 14 wildfires swept through the Los Angeles metro area and San Diego County, fuelled by drought, low humidity, and hurricane-force Santa Ana winds. The fires burned 57,000+ acres, destroyed 18,000+ structures, and led to 29 deaths and 200,000 evacuations.
Traditional building materials often fail to withstand the intense conditions of a bushfire, contributing to the loss of property and lives. FSI – a company that creates protective products for fire, solar and defence - sought to address this problem. However, they needed advanced research and testing capabilities to bring their vision to life.
"The aim with FIRECOAT was to create a solution that could prevent buildings from becoming fuel for these devastating fires. Our goal was to provide a protective barrier that could make a real difference when every second counts."
    - Tony Overstead, FSI Founder & CEO
Solution
The collaboration began with Professor Yeoh and his team who developed a polymer-based coating that could withstand extreme heat and flames. After extensive rounds of testing and adjustment, the team identified a specialised polymer technology that creates a dense char layer when exposed to fire. This layer acts as a barrier, preventing flames from damaging the underlying structure.Â
FSI and »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ collaborated closely to test the coating's effectiveness, conducting over 100 tests on various materials. The breakthrough came when the coating withstood a direct flame for over an hour. Following rigorous certification, the patented FIRECOAT technology was commercialised into three products now available for purchase in Australia and the US.Â
FIRECOAT benefits include:
- FIRECOAT Exterior is rated to Bushfire Attack Level 40 (BAL-40). The BAL rating determines the construction and building requirements necessary to protect properties in bush-fire prone areas.Â
- FIRECOAT Interior is a water-based fire-resistant coating rated to Bushfire Attack Level 29 (BAL-29).
- FIRECOAT Defence is a fire-protective powder concentrated that establishes a short-term containment line around your property.
"This new technology is the first coating to pass the stringent Australian Standards test (AS 3959) that simulates a bushfire attack. It has been accredited with a Bushfire Attack Level-40 rating. " Â
    - Professor Guan Yeoh, ±«±·³§°ÂÌý
Outcome
FIRECOAT demonstrates significant potential to prevent the spread of bushfires. FIRECOAT Exterior has one of the highest bushfire protection levels, ensuring that structures coated with it can withstand ember attack, radiant heat or direct flame exposure for extended periods. The product has a broad range of applications and can be used in residential homes, commercial buildings, and critical infrastructure.Â
The project has played a key role in shaping FSI's growth strategy. Through its collaboration with »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ, FSI successfully launched a new product, expanded into the US market, and gained greater industry recognition.Â
In Australia, FSI’s partnership with Bunnings Warehouse ensures FIRECOAT is widely available to homeowners and businesses. In the US, ACE Hardware offers a robust retail network, enabling FSI to bring its fire safety solutions to a broader market. The product’s success has strengthened FSI’s position as an industry leader and created new opportunities for further research and development with »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ.Â
"The development of FIRECOAT has been a game-changer, not just for our business, but for communities living in fire-prone areas. Seeing our product in homes, and knowing it can make a difference in saving lives and properties, is incredibly rewarding."Â
    - Tony Overstead, FSI Founder & CEO  Â
Flame Security International
Collaboration to develop a fire-retardant coating designed to protect buildings and infrastructure from the catastrophic effects of bushfires.
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Organisation size
Small-to-medium enterprise
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Project duration
5 years
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Funding range
$6.5M
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Funding scheme
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Academic collaboration
Good product. Good business.
Proudly Australian-made
FIRECOAT is Australian owned, developed and manufactured.
Bushfire Attack Level 40
FIRECOAT the first coating to pass the stringent Australian Standards AS 3959 bushfire test.
Export success
Sold in Bunnings and ACE Hardware (USA).
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