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Tech's Fireproof Secret: Special Paint
22 Oct
Summary
- Specialized gray coatings shield data centers from fire.
- PPG's Steelguard 951 paint expands like a toasted marshmallow.
- Data center paint sales are expected to triple this year.
Tech companies are increasingly coating their data centers with specialized gray paints to protect against fire, rust, and static electricity. This trend has created a burgeoning market for paint manufacturers.
Researchers at PPG are testing fire-resistant coatings like Steelguard 951. This paint expands when exposed to flames, forming a thick, insulating crust that shields the underlying steel from heat. This protective mechanism keeps the structure cool and intact during a fire.
PPG has seen significant growth in its data center paint business, largely driven by the expansion of computing sites by major tech firms. The company expects its sales of these specialized paints for data centers to triple this year, a substantial increase compared to its overall sales growth.
