Abstract
Aim: Since the time humans learned how to use a fire, people had to cope with a number of dangers resulting from an uncontrolled combustion process. Over the years new fire protection techniques and improvements were developed. The purpose of this article is to familiarize readers with the topic of nanotechnology and highlight the benefits of this technique in relation to fire safety.
Introduction: Nanotechnology is an innovative field of science which offers major opportunities in modifying the physicochemical properties of materials and allows for the creation of new structures with remarkable properties, not encountered previously. Such achievements will allow for the utilisation of new approaches in one of the most important and oldest aspects of human life – fire safety. This article examines the modification potential of conventional material properties with nanostructures in order to increase their resistance to fire. Furthermore, the article illustrates potential application of nanotechnology developments in the early detection of fires through symptoms, such as smoke and presence of fire gases. Finally, the article explores benefits of modern extinguishing agents based on nanocrystallites and microcapsules.
Methodology: The article is divided into sections, which represent the three aspects of protection from fires. The main challenges for fire safety include: • modification of widely used thermoplastic polymers, where the properties still do not guarantee safety when exposed to high temperature and intense heat flux - use of nanofillers will improve the resistance to fire action and reduce associated risks (e.g. elimination of the melting behaviour of thermoplastics exposed to fire), • effective detection of early signs of fire, e.g. smoke, carbon monoxide and other combustion-specific molecules, • efficient method of fire dousing, which is less health and life threatening and non-destructive to property and equipment. The article provides a focus on each of these aspects and demonstrates nanotechnology application potential in firefighting.
Conclusions: The article reveals that the use of nanomaterials in sensors can increase detection parameters and extend the life of detectors. Simultaneously, efficiency increases in respect of volume can reduce production costs. Modification of polymer nanoparticles, described in the literature, allows for the reduction of fire hazards attributed to use of plastics. New generation of polymer composites exhibit a reduced level of heat release during combustion and demonstrate improved rheological properties in fire conditions. Consequently, the thermal decomposition process leading towards carbonization effectively eliminates melting during combustion.
Keywords: fire protection, nanotechnology, flame retardants, extinguishing agents, nanotubes, graphene, detection
Type of article: review article