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Application of Flame-Retardant Modification Technology in Evaporative Cooling Pad Base Paper Production

Evaporative cooling pads are key components of cooling systems and are widely used in livestock farms, greenhouses, industrial cooling, and data centers. However, cooling pad base paper is primarily composed of plant fibers and is inherently combustible. Once exposed to flames or high temperatures, it can ignite easily and promote rapid fire spread. As demand for fire-safe cooling pads continues to grow, integrating flame-retardant modification technology into base paper production has become an essential requirement rather than an optional enhancement.

1. Why Cooling Pad Base Paper Must Be Flame Retardant

Cooling pad base paper is processed through resin impregnation, drying, corrugation, shaping, gluing, and curing to form a honeycomb structure. Although it provides excellent water distribution and evaporative cooling performance, it remains a cellulose-based material with an oxygen index of only 18–20%, making it highly flammable.

In livestock houses, data centers, and public buildings, a fire can spread rapidly through the honeycomb channels, causing severe damage. Conventional filler-based flame-retardant methods often compromise water absorption, strength, and flexibility. Therefore, advanced flame-retardant modification technologies that provide fire resistance without sacrificing performance are the preferred solution.

2. Synergistic Flame-Retardant Mechanisms

Flame-retardant modification relies on the combined action of physical and chemical mechanisms:

· Heat Absorption: Flame retardants absorb heat during decomposition, reducing surface temperature and slowing cellulose degradation.

· Char Formation and Oxygen Isolation: Under high temperatures, a dense carbonized layer forms on the paper surface, acting as a protective barrier that blocks oxygen and heat, preventing further combustion and molten dripping.

· Chain-Reaction Suppression: Active species released by the flame retardants capture free radicals and interrupt the combustion chain reaction, enabling self-extinguishing behavior.

· Combustible Gas Dilution: Inert gases released during heating dilute flammable gases and reduce toxic smoke generation, enhancing safety.

High-quality flame-retardant cooling pad paper is characterized by low flammability, self-extinguishing capability, non-propagation of flames, and no flaming drips, meeting national industry standards.

3. Manufacturing Process: Spatial Crosslinking Technology

Advanced production processes employ spatial crosslinking technology, introducing the flame-retardant system together with nonionic surfactant penetrants during sizing. Using imported long-fiber virgin paper and phenol-free eco-friendly adhesives, fully automated production lines equipped with Siemens intelligent temperature and humidity control systems ensure consistent quality.

Nano-dispersed flame retardants are uniformly embedded within the fiber network, preserving the honeycomb micropores and evaporative efficiency while activating the four flame-retardant mechanisms during the early stages of a fire.

Finished products are required to pass nationally recognized anti-mold and antibacterial tests (Grade C or above), achieve a compressive strength of at least 200 N/100 cm², and maintain a shrinkage rate below 1%.

4. Market Outlook

China's evaporative cooling pad market is projected to reach RMB 4.59 billion in 2026, representing an 8.0% year-on-year increase. Zouping Shengyuan Paper Co., Ltd. has successfully developed mold-resistant and flame-retardant cooling pad cores, breaking technological barriers and significantly reducing production costs.

The industry is shifting from a cost-driven model to a comprehensive value proposition based on performance, service, and system integration, creating attractive long-term opportunities.

Conclusion

Flame-retardant cooling pad base paper is redefining safety standards in the evaporative cooling industry. By selecting the right flame-retardant systems, maintaining strict process control, and embracing technological innovation, cooling pads can provide efficient cooling while establishing a reliable and robust fire-protection barrier.