Tuning stability, rheology, and fire-extinguishing performance of advanced firefighting foam material by inorganic nanoparticle flame retardants

Abstract

Foam stability and oil resistivity were enhanced due to self-assembled network structures formed by jammed aggregates composed by nanoparticles and surfactants in Plateau borders and bubble films, providing structural recoverability and enhanced viscoelasticity within foam. Foams containing nano-SiO₂, nano-CaCO₃, nano-Al(OH)₃, and nano-Mg(OH)₂ show difference in fire extinguishment due to different ability to enhance foam properties. Foam containing nano-Al(OH)₃ shows the strongest adaptation and could shorten fire extinguishing time by 2 times and prolong burn-back time by 2.3 times compared with commercial product.