Preparation and performances of novel waterborne intumescent fire retardant coatings

•A novel organic–inorganic hybrid emulsion was used as the binder of the waterborne intumescent fire retardant coating and greatly improved the fire resistance performance.•Epoxy resin in emulsion improved the adhesion of the film to substrates (from 2 grade to 0 grade).•Montmorillonite in emulsion greatly improved water resistance, yellowing resistance and fire resistance performance.