Fire-retardant gels are superabsorbent polymer slurries with a "consistency almost like petroleum jelly."[1] Fire-retardant gels can also be slurries that are composed of a combination of water, starch, and clay. [2] Used as fire retardants, they can be used for structure protection and in direct-attack applications against wildfires.[3][4]
Fire-retardant gels are short-term fire suppressants typically applied with ground equipment.[5] They are also used in the movie industry to protect stunt persons from flames when filming action movie scenes.[6][7]
- ^ The Associated Press (October 13, 2007). "Firefighters say Gel Works, But Don't Expect Rush to Stockpile It".
- ^ US 8834750, Glenn, Gregory M., "Starch-based fire retardant", published 2013-04-26
- ^ "CDF Evaluation Letter of Barricade II Gel" (PDF). January 24, 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2013-05-22.
- ^ "UDSA Forest Service Specification for Water Enhancers (gels) for Wildland Firefighting" (PDF). June 1, 2007. Retrieved 2008-11-24.
- ^ "After the Fire: Cleaning Up Fire Retardant and Fire Suppressants" (PDF). July 28, 2013. Retrieved 2020-10-01.
- ^ Howder, Collin R.; Groen, Kyle D.; Kuntzleman, Thomas S. (2010-08-09). "JCE Classroom Activity #107. And the Oscar Goes to...A Chemist!". Journal of Chemical Education. 87 (10): 1060–1061. Bibcode:2010JChEd..87.1060H. doi:10.1021/ed900013z.
- ^ Kuntzleman, Thomas S.; Mork, Dakota J.; Norris, Levi D.; Maniére-Spencer, Christopher D. (2013-05-29). "Creating and Experimenting with Fire Gel, an Inexpensive and Readily Prepared Insulating Material". Journal of Chemical Education. 90 (7): 947–949. Bibcode:2013JChEd..90..947K. doi:10.1021/ed3006506.