Solid composite intumescent structures for fire protection

A free-standing solid composite intumescent structure comprising at least one bendable, rigid metal mesh secured on or in a bendable intumescent sheet material, the structure bendable by a bending force into a shape at a temperature above −10° C. while retaining the bended shape when the bending force is removed, the intumescent sheet material comprising:

• 10 wt % or more, based on total weight of the sheet material, of a polymeric resin;
• inorganic filler;
• and,
• an intumescent component comprising a charring agent, a catalyst, and a blowing agent;
• wherein the free-standing solid composite intumescent structure is capable of acting as a fireproofing material and the at least one metal mesh has a capacity to retain the bended shape without significant deformation, the capacity being greater than a memory force of the intumescent sheet material to return to original shape.