Abstract: A method for protecting heat sensitive substrates from fire and excessive heat involves:I. applying to the substrate a layer of a char forming intumescent curable composition comprising:(a) an epoxide group containing material, at least 20 weight percent of said material having an oxirane functionality greater than 2;(b) a curing agent adapted to cure the epoxide group containing material wherein at least 20 weight percent of said curing agent is comprised of an aralkyl polyamine containing material;(c) an additive component comprising a mixture of materials adapted to provide a source of:(i) phosphorous,(ii) zinc,(iii) boron and(iv) an expansion gas upon thermal decomposition,said curable composition being capable of forming a carbonaceous char upon exposure to heat or flame;II. allowing the intumescent curable composition to at least partially cure.

Abstract: A resinous composition is composed of the ungelled reaction product of(i) a diester of oxalic acid;(ii) a material containing one or more primary and/or secondary amino groups and one or more additional functional groups; and(iii) a material capable of coreacting with (i) or (ii).The resinous composition is useful in formulating intumescent fire protective compositions for fire protection of substrates.