Liquid Granite is not only capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 1100 degrees Celsius, but it also maintains its heat adversity for longer and won't explode at extreme temperatures like traditional concrete.

What's more, the bulk of it is made from recycled materials and it contains less than one third of the cement used in precast concrete, reducing its carbon footprint and making it a greener alternative to current materials.

Made up of between 30 and 70 per cent recycled industrial base product, Liquid Granite can be poured much in the same way as regular concrete, making it ideal for fireproofing hard to reach areas such as the gaps between electrical conduits and ventilation ducts, where traditional fire-resistant materials can be awkward to use.

Professor Pal Mangat, director of CIM, helped to develop Liquid Granite. 'Liquid Granite is a very versatile material that can be used in a similar way to concrete,' he said.

'The fact it has a high level of fire resistance means that it can be used in areas where fire safety is crucial, such as around power stations, and in domestic and commercial buildings can offer added time for evacuation in case of an emergency.

'The product replaces most of the cement in standard concrete with a secret formula of products to change the basic properties of the material. I believe it has great potential for the future.'

The product has now been licensed to, and is being marketed by, Roystonbased Liquid Granite Ltd, a joint venture set up by Total Firestopping Solutions Ltd and North Barnsley Partnership Ltd.

Bob Richards from Liquid Granite said, 'There has already been a great deal of interest from the building industry about this product, and it has been supplied onto projects such as the Olympic Village and Stratford Shopping Centre in London in the form of fire rated lintels manufactured by King Stone Products.

'It will really make a difference to the safety of our buildings and could potentially save lives.'