Enhancement of Fluorine-Free Firefighting Agents for Compressed Air Foam Applications
Abstract
Two commercial PFAS free suppression agents (PF_FSA) were blended with three novel poly dimethyl siloxane surfactants synthesized here at Tyndall AFB. The list of additives grew to include a siloxane super-spreader (Silwet L-77), a fuel-thickening agent (aluminum 2-ethylhexanoate), solid nanoparticles (silica and several forms of boehmite), foam stabilizer (triethanolamine stearate), and a hydrogel biopolymer (alginic acid).These additives were tested with the PF_FSAs by MIL-PRF-24385F standard for drain time, surface tension, interfacial tension, refractive index, pH, biodegradability and firetesting. The fire testing was done on a small-scale fire test apparatus with compressed air foam. This allowed us to compare extinguishment time and burn back performance of the PF_FSA samples to determine the effect of the additives.The siloxane surfactants did not enhance the fire suppressing performance. The siloxane super-spreader, solid nanoparticles, and the foam stabilizer did not either. However, the hydrogel biopolymer and the fuel-thickening agent showed a reduction in extinguishment time for one of the PF_FSAs. These materials may warrant further study.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 30, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1193189
Entities
People
- Heather R. Luckarift
- Jeffery R. Owens
- Katherine Simpson
Organizations
- Air Force Civil Engineer Center