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Composite Fire Suppressants: Design, Preparation, Properties and Applications

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A special issue of Fire (ISSN 2571-6255). This special issue belongs to the section "Fire Risk Assessment and Safety Management in Buildings and Urban Spaces".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 7555

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Xiaomin Ni

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Guest Editor

State Key Laboratory of Fire Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Heifei 230026, China
Interests: fire suppression; laser diagnostics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Shaogang Zhang

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Guest Editor

College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China
Interests: tunnel fires; fire suppression; fire risk assessment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fire suppressants are usually divided into gasses, liquids and solids according to their physical state. Each type of fire suppressant has its own advantages and disadvantages, which are only applicable for specific areas and fire types. The complexity of modern fires poses a great challenge to new highly efficient fire suppressants. The joint application of several agents is proposed as an effective method to overcome their respective drawbacks and improve their performance towards fire suppression. To obtain synergistic effects, individual agents are combined in a proper manner. Many composite fire suppressants have been developed, such as halocarbon gelled dry chemicals (gas–solid), a “Victaulic vortex” consisting of nitrogen and water mist (gas–liquid), and dry water with silica particles surrounding water droplets (liquid–solid). Fire tests have revealed that these composites showed superiority with respect to fire-extinguishing time, the mass of agents consumed, toxicity, corrosivity, etc.

This Special Issue focuses on research concerning the combined utilization of different fire suppressants. It will provide a forum where scientists can share their ideas and findings concerning the design, preparation, property characterization and the typical applications of composite fire suppressants. We invite submissions of articles on any topic related to the use of composite agents for fire suppression. Full-length and short papers on experimentation, theory, modelling and simulation are all welcome.

Dr. Xiaomin Ni
Dr. Shaogang Zhang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Fire is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

composites
fire suppression
design and preparation
characterization
mechanism

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 3215 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Lignin or Lignosulfonate Addition on the Fire Resistance of Areca (Areca catechu) Particleboards Bonded with Ultra-Low-Emitting Urea-Formaldehyde Resin

by Elvara Windra Madyaratri, Muhammad Rasyidur Ridho, Apri Heri Iswanto, Linda Makovická Osvaldová, Seng Hua Lee, Petar Antov and Widya Fatriasari

Fire 2023, 6(8), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire6080299 - 3 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1156

Abstract

As a way to accommodate the rising demand for “green” wood-based products, agricultural waste from Areca (Areca catechu) nut farms, which is generally burned on-site, can be used to raise the value of alternative lignocellulosic raw materials. This research aimed to investigate and evaluate the effect of technical lignin (kraft lignin or lignosulfonate) addition on particleboard properties from areca bonded with ultra-low-emitting urea formaldehyde (UF) resin. The physical properties, mechanical properties, and fire resistance of the laboratory-made particleboards were tested and evaluated in accordance with the applicable Japanese industrial standards (JIS). The highest density of 0.84 g/cm³ was determined for the laboratory boards, bonded with an adhesive mixture of UF resin and kraft lignin with three washing treatments. The lowest moisture content of 9.06%, thickness swelling of 71.16%, and water absorption of 129.17% were determined for the boards bonded with lignosulfonate with three washing treatments, with commercial lignin, and with lignosulfonate with five washing treatments, respectively. The highest MOR and MOE values, i.e., 113.49 kg/cm² and 10,663 kg/cm², respectively, were obtained for the particleboards bonded with lignosulfonate with five washing treatments. Interestingly, all laboratory boards exhibited good fire resistance following the UL-94 standard. Based on the gas torch test, the lowest weight loss of 16.7% was determined in the boards fabricated with lignosulfonate with five washing treatments. This study demonstrated that adding lignin-based fire retardants represents a viable approach to producing lignocellulosic composites with enhanced fire resistance and a lower carbon footprint. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Fire Suppressants: Design, Preparation, Properties and Applications)

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20 pages, 11321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Fire Resistance of Transformable Barriers: Influence of the Large-Scale Factor

by Marina Gravit, Daria Shabunina and Oleg Nedryshkin

Fire 2023, 6(8), 294; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire6080294 - 31 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1024

Abstract

The paper presents the results of the development of a multi-layer protective product, which is a transformable fire barrier, installed in buildings and structures to limit the spread of flame, heat flow and smoke. Based on the results of the simulation of eight samples of fire curtains, three promising samples of different compositions were selected, demonstrating a fire resistance limit on the loss of thermal insulating capacity (I) of 30 min. During the small-scale tests, it was found that the multilayer fabric of the following composition was promising: heat-treated silica fabric, aluminum foil, mineral fiber heat insulation material, stitched by needle-punching with silica thread, fabric reinforced with fiberglass mesh and stitched through with basalt thread, with seams treated with a fire-resistant elastic sealant. According to the results of a standard large-scale experimental study, a fire curtain with a loss of integrity not less than 60 min, and a loss of thermal insulating ability not less than 15 min were obtained. The results of the study assess the impact of the scale factor on the fire resistance limit of fire curtains in a fire. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Fire Suppressants: Design, Preparation, Properties and Applications)

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16 pages, 1647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examination of the Fire Resistance of Construction Materials from Beams in Chemical Warehouses Dealing with Flammable Dangerous Substances

by Lajos Kátai-Urbán, Zsolt Cimer and Éva Eszter Lublóy

Fire 2023, 6(8), 293; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire6080293 - 31 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1051

Abstract

The recent expansion of logistics capacities entails the installation of chemical warehouses, which operations increase the occurrence of compartment fires involving flammable dangerous substances. The aim of this research was to compare and analyze the fire behavior of beams made of different structural materials but with the same load capacity. It is assumed that wooden beams, which are less commonly used in industrial facilities, may have a similar or even better load-bearing capacity in case of a fire than the generally used steel beams. The authors—based on the relevant EU standards—performed load capacity calculations of three beams prepared from different materials under the influence of fire and analyzed the changes in the material properties. Then, they examined the possibility of reinforcing the beams with carbon fiber lamellae and proposed additional fire protection requirements. The test results not only proved the different degrees of fire resistance of various building materials in the event of a fire and after their reinforcement but also suggested the application of special technical, prevention and response measures for the safe storage of dangerous substances. The study outputs enable warehouse designers, operators and safety experts to ensure a higher fire safety level for chemical warehouses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Fire Suppressants: Design, Preparation, Properties and Applications)

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11 pages, 2725 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Pipe Diameter on the Discharge Process of Halon1301 in a Fire Extinguishing System with Horizontal Straight Pipe

by Ye Chen, Chenxi Zhao, Qiurui Huang, Songyang Li, Jiahui Huang, Xiaomin Ni and Jian Wang

Fire 2023, 6(8), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire6080287 - 28 Jul 2023

Viewed by 898

Abstract

In aviation fire extinguishing systems, the extinguishing agent is stored in a bottle, which is pressurized by nitrogen. When fire occurs, the agent is discharged via pipe and nozzle to the target compartment. The geometry of the pipe has a significant impact on the discharge process, and merits study. In this study of the discharge process of halon1301 using pipes of different diameters, the pressure distribution was significantly influenced by varying pipe diameter. Contributions to pressure drops through the valve/pipe/nozzle were approximately 2%, 8%, and 90%, respectively, when the pipe diameter was larger than the nozzle diameter. The contribution through the pipe increased, and the contribution through the nozzle decreased, as the pipe diameter became smaller. When the pipe diameter was decreased to the nozzle diameter, pressure drops through the valve/pipe/nozzle were 10%, 45%, and 45%, respectively; there was an increased pressure drop through the pipe. Distinctions in pressure distribution led to temperature differences; when there were more pressure drops through the nozzle, the temperature in the pipe was lower. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Fire Suppressants: Design, Preparation, Properties and Applications)

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Other

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23 pages, 2448 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

How Does Fire Suppression Alter the Wildfire Regime? A Systematic Review

by Jiaying Hai, Ling Zhang, Cong Gao, Han Wang and Jiansheng Wu

Fire 2023, 6(11), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire6110424 - 6 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2780

Abstract

Fire suppression has become a fundamental approach for shaping contemporary wildfire regimes. However, a growing body of research suggests that aggressive fire suppression can increase high-intensity wildfires, creating the wildfire paradox. Whether the strategy always triggers the paradox remains a topic of ongoing debate. The role of fire suppression in altering wildfire regimes in diverse socio-ecological systems and associated research designs demands a deeper understanding. To reconcile these controversies and synthesize the existing knowledge, a systematic review has been conducted to screen 974 studies on the relationship between fire suppression and wildfire regimes. The rigorous screening process led to the selection of 37 studies that met our stringent criteria for inclusion. The selected literature was quantitatively analyzed in terms of study areas, study design and methods, and the impact of fire suppression on wildfire regimes. Several critical findings were revealed: 1. Numerous studies have focused on northern mid- and high-latitude biomes, neglecting tropical savannas where wildfires are frequent and intense. Further exploration in these regions is imperative. 2. Existing studies have predominantly employed methods such as difference analysis, regression analysis, and scenario simulations. Appropriate methods could be selected based on the study area, data availability, and understanding of fire regimes. 3. Despite the consensus that fire suppression reduces the total burned area, the emergence of the wildfire paradox remains controversial, with approximately equal amounts of the literature supporting and contradicting the wildfire paradox. A noteworthy pattern was observed: the wildfire paradox is more likely to occur in fuel-limited systems, specific vegetation types, and smaller scale and longer term studies. This systematic review highlights that the occurrence of the wildfire paradox is intricately tied to ecosystem feedback mechanisms for suppression and the research scale adopted. It is necessary to incorporate a comprehensive and multi-scale assessment of how local wildlands respond to suppression into wildfire management policy-making processes. This assessment will ensure a more informed and effective wildfire management strategy adapted to local conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Fire Suppressants: Design, Preparation, Properties and Applications)

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