Surfactants with Organosilicate Nanostructures for Use as Fire-Fighting Foam (F3)
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl surfactants are the key ingredients in aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) which are used by the Department of Defense and others to fight hydrocarbon pool (Class B) fires. Perfluoroalkyl surfactants work extremely well for this application, however there are growing concerns about these materials because they are highly persistent in the environment and may be toxic to plants and animals or increase their risk to certain diseases. The objective of this project was to synthesize and/or identify fluorine-free materials to replace perfluoroalkyl surfactants in fire-fighting foams. The new materials will be made to operate equally well to quickly extinguish hydrocarbon pool fires. The new materials could become drop-in replacements to existing fire-fighting technology to allow the Department of Defense to continue its mission with less ecosystem impact and maintain a high degree of environmental stewardship.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 16, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1154590
Entities
People
- Arthur W. Snow
- Eric S. Sievert
- Erik D. Tolmachoff
- M. J. Roberts
- Matthew C. Davis
- Ramagopal Ananth
Organizations
- Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division