Priya PatelTLDR:
Researchers have made a breakthrough in fire retardant technology that could potentially make homes much safer. The new eco-friendly flame retardant limits the flammability of wood used in construction and reduces smoke production by 56%. It creates a surface layer of char that blocks heat from spreading further into the wood and also chokes out the oxygen supply to the fire. The retardant can be applied through dipping, spraying, or pressure treatment, and has potential applications in various industries including furniture, clothing, aviation, and automobiles.
A team of researchers has developed an eco-friendly flame retardant that could significantly improve fire safety in homes. The retardant limits the flammability of wood used in construction and reduces smoke production by 56%, which is an unusually large degree. The treatment creates a surface layer of char that acts as a barrier, preventing the heat from spreading further into the wood and protecting the underlying structure. Additionally, the retardant contains a nitrogen-rich component that degrades and produces nonflammable gas, which absorbs heat energy and chokes out the oxygen supply to the fire.
The flame retardant can be applied in various ways, including dipping, spraying, or pressure treatment. It is composed of an aqueous solution containing the monomer hydroxyethyl methacrylate phosphate, the positively charged polymer polyethylenimine, and a photoinitiator called TPO. When plywood is soaked in the solution and exposed to ultraviolet light, the TPO changes into a negatively charged polymer, which then forms a polyelectrolyte complex with PEI. This process creates the surface layer of char that provides fire resistance.
The potential applications of this flame retardant are wide-ranging. It can be used as a resin to make 3D-printed parts, and it has water-resistant, water-repellent, and antifungal properties. In addition to construction materials, potential products include flame-retardant furniture and clothing. The aviation and automotive industries could also benefit from this technology to enhance fire safety in their vehicles. The breakthrough could have a significant impact on reducing the damage and spread of fires, particularly for those who cannot build fire-resistant homes.
