Flame inhibition using nanotechnology

Abstract

Flame inhibition is significant as it directly contributes to fire safety and prevention. Effective flame inhibition can reduce the spread and intensity of fires, protecting lives, property, and the environment. The research focused on the significant role of nanomaterials, specifically aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), in improving fire retardation and enhancing fire inhibition performance. Nanoparticles can be used in flame inhibition, as they might merge two flame inhibition techniques: cooling and physical barriers. They offer unique properties due to their small size and high surface area, which can enhance their effectiveness in disrupting the combustion process. Nanoparticles can act as heat sinks, absorbing heat and reducing the temperature of the combustion zone (cooling method). They can also catalyze the formation of non-combustible gases or form a protective layer on the material's surface (physical method). Due to these properties, nanoparticles are increasingly studied and utilized for advanced flame retardant systems. Experimental work was carried out to accomplish the goal of the research. The fire inhibition test was performed within a pressure range between 3.2 and 5.3 cm of Hg, corresponding to a fuel-oxygen ratio of 9.3 % to 14.8 %, respectively. A novel nanoparticle material was involved in this analysis, including Al₂O₃. Based on the research analysis, the critical research results revealed that Al₂O₃ employment as a fire inhibitor provided a more enhanced impact of fire retardance and flame inhibition compared with conventional retardation materials, reflected in more sustainability and less adverse environmental effects.Furthermore, the experimental findings indicated that the flammability limits range between a lower flammability limit of approximately 9.3 % and an upper one of 14.8 % under specified amounts of pressure and temperature. In addition, increasing the inhibitor quantity could raise the lean flammability limit. Raising the nanomaterial mass would extend the flammability limits, altering the concentration of these nanoparticles to increase inhibitory effectiveness and change the lower and upper flammability limits.The study concluded that adjusting nanoparticle concentrations can significantly alter inhibitory effectiveness. The novelty lies in the use of a novel nanoparticle material, demonstrating improved sustainability and effectiveness in fire retardation of a highly flammable gaseous mixture.