Investigation in the fire suppression properties of KHCO3 and K2C2O4 dry water incorporates core-shell structures

Abstract

The present study aims to examine the potential of dry water (DW) as a fire suppression agent that is both non-toxic and sustainable in nature. The DW product integrates the advantages of a high-quality aqueous mist and powder. The stable core-shell structure of this phenomenon is achieved through the dispersion of larger liquid particles into smaller ones and subsequently encapsulating them within a silica matrix. In order to enhance the aqueous solution, four substances were introduced: sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3), potassium oxalate monohydrate (K2C2O4·H2O), and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS), which acts as a surfactant. The utilization of SDBS resulted in enhanced dispersion of the internal aqueous solution during intense agitation. The introduction of various substances into the intermolecular spaces resulted in an augmentation of the overall density of distilled water. This facilitated the enhanced infiltration of DW into the central flame, resulting in improved cooling and suppression. The moisture content of DW samples can reach up to 90%, suggesting that the majority of the aqueous solution is contained within the silica powder. The fire suppression times for DW1–4 were recorded as 49, 40, 25, and 18 s, respectively. The fire suppression capabilities of DW3 and DW4 were found to be superior to those of DW1 and DW2. In this investigation, it was observed that KHCO3 and K2C2O4•H2O exhibited superior inhibition of free radicals.