Fuel Pick-up and Its Emulsification as Means to Improve Fire Performance of Fluorine-free Firefighting Foams

The current fluorine-free foams (F3) used in aircraft rescue and firefighting take 1.5 to 2 times longer to put out fires compared to the traditional PFAS-based foams (PB-AFFF). To make F3 as effective as PB-AFFF, we need new additives and formulations. This means we need to better understand the physics and chemistry of F3 to guide these improvements.

Our project aims to improve the best commercial fluorine-free foams (F3) so that they meet the U.S. Military Specification (MIL-PRF-32725) and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO Level C) fire test standards. These foams will be able to effectively control major fires while benefiting the environment, satisfying regulatory requirements, and meeting the needs of foam users.