Summary:
UCLA researchers from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel system for integrating fire-retardant compounds within an adhesive and sprayable material.
Background:
Fire management traditionally relies on the use of synthetic materials containing ammonium polyphosphate (APP), which are effective in fire suppression but exhibit significant environmental and operational challenges. These include toxicity to aquatic and plant ecosystems and poor adherence to different surfaces, severely limiting the utility of APP-containing formulations in long-term fire prevention. In addition, phosphorus, the main functional component of APP, is a finite resource, and sources are expected to be depleted in the next 50 years. There remains an unmet need for an abundant and environmentally-sustainable fire-retardant material that can be used for long-term wildfire management and prevention in versatile situations and locations.
Innovation:
UCLA researchers from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a material that encapsulates fire-retardant compounds within a bio-based, sprayable and adhesive hydrogel matrix. The invention provides improved fire retardancy by adhering to relevant vegetation and building material
surfaces and uses nontoxic fire retardants in place of phosphorous-based materials. Several molecular interactions give the hydrogel its strong adhesive properties to plant and building surfaces, including electrostatic forces, hydrogen bonding, and dipole interactions. The combined effect of strong adhesive forces with encapsulated fire-retardant materials facilitates its application to versatile and irregular surfaces. This innovation can greatly improve wildfire management techniques by providing long-term protection for infrastructure and vegetation in wildfire-prone areas.
Potential Applications:
• Preventative wildfire barriers
• Protective treatment for vegetation
• Fire-resistant spray for construction materials
Advantages:
• Provides fire prevention capabilities, rather than only fire suppression
• Biobased materials
• Non-toxic fire-retardant molecules
• Sprayable
• Strong adhesive properties to a wide range of materials
• Cost-effective
Development-To-Date: First successful description of the invention (06/03/2024)
Reference: UCLA Case No. 2025-240
Lead Inventor: Paul S. Weiss