Graphene Oxide-Enhanced Aerosol Forming Composites: A Study for Fire Extinguishing Applications

Condensed aerosol-based fire extinguishing system (CAFES) has emerged as the most proficient fire extinguishing system since the implementation of Montreal protocol 1987. Aerosol forming composite (AFC) is the key constituent of CAFES. For the first time, graphene oxide-based AFCs have been prepared and characterized for use in extinguishing fires. Catalytic activity of bulk graphite, graphite oxide & graphene oxide (1, 3 & 5 %, w/w) on combustion characteristics of AFC is examined by incorporating them in the base AFC. Graphene additives are synthesized and characterized using instrumental techniques such as XRD, FTIR, Raman, SEM and TEM. AFCs with catalysts are also assessed for performance using parameters such as combustion efficiency, minimum fire extinguishing concentration (MEC), burn rate, combustion temperatures and activation energies. Maximum reduction in combustion temperature from 455 to 409 °C is observed with 5% graphene oxide containing AFC. Addition of 1% graphene oxide to base AFC remarkably has augmented the performance of AFC by enhancing the burn rate by 12.89%. Prepared high burn rate AFC is under further investigations for potential use in cutting-edge aerosol-based firefighting systems.