Carrageenan-vermiculite-dimethyl methyl phosphate ternary hybrid hydrogels for firefighting

An eco-friendly and bio-based ternary hybrid hydrogel consisting of carrageenan, vermiculite, and dimethyl methyl phosphate (DMMP) was prepared through a facile one-pot method. Rheological tests showed that this ternary hybrid hydrogel was a power-law fluid. The formulation of the ternary hybrid hydrogel was also screened, and the optimal formulation was found to be the ternary hybrid hydrogel containing 1 wt% carrageenan, 2 wt% DMMP, and 4 wt% vermiculite. Firefighting experiments showed that the ternary hybrid hydrogel could stop the chain reaction and rapidly reduce the temperature of combustion. Compared to water, the extinguishing time of the ternary hybrid hydrogel was shortened by 46.6%, and the volume consumed was reduced by 43.3%. The superior fire extinguishing efficiency of the ternary hybrid hydrogel could be attributed to the combined effect of each component: carrageenan provides viscosity, making the hydrogel firmly cover the burning surface; DMMP works as a free radical scavenger that can stop chain reactions; and vermiculite acts as a barrier layer, which helps to insulate air and heat and prevent resurgence. This work provides an environmentally-friendly, cost-effective, and bio-based hybrid hydrogel for firefighting.

Automated summary

An eco-friendly and bio-based ternary hybrid hydrogel consisting of carrageenan, vermiculite, and dimethyl methyl phosphate (DMMP) was prepared through a facile one-pot method. The rheological tests showed that the hydrogel exhibited power-law fluid behavior. It was found that the optimal formulation of the hydrogel included 1 wt% carrageenan, 2 wt% DMMP, and 4 wt% vermiculite. Firefighting experiments demonstrated that the hydrogel could effectively extinguish fires by stopping chain reactions and reducing the temperature of combustion. The improved fire extinguishing efficiency was attributed to the combined effect of each component: carrageenan provided viscosity, DMMP acted as a free radical scavenger, and vermiculite acted as a barrier layer preventing resurgence.