Severe damage to people and property caused by fires has been a deep concern of Prof. Dr. Ngo Quoc Anh and his colleagues at the Institute of Chemistry, prompting them to explore and successfully develop a gel-based firefighting product under the research component “Technology for producing a new-generation, multi-purpose, environmentally friendly and effective firefighting gel”, code TDPCCC.01/21-23, under the Academy’s Key Science and Technology Programme.
The multi-purpose firefighting gel products are developed using super absorbent polymer (SAP) materials, which are highly effective in quickly extinguishing fires and preventing their spread, while also being safe for human health and environmentally friendly. This is considered a significant breakthrough in the field of fire prevention and fighting, providing an effective and safe solution for the future.
The firefighting gel product researched by scientists at the Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology is available in powder or viscous liquid and can be easily used in combination with conventional firefighting equipment with standard nozzle systems. The main component of the product is SAP derived from natural origin such as cellulose and starch, combined with nano materials like magnesium hydroxide and silica. The advantages of these ingredients are their superior adhesion to the surface of the material, effective fire prevention at temperatures up to 1,300 degrees Celsius and biodegradability when used as a long-term fire-fighting material
Two gel systems of VHGEL-01 and VHGEL-02 have been tested in practice and demonstrated the ability to extinguish Class A fires (solid materials) in under 300 seconds. They also provide outstanding surface protection for materials such as wood, tarpaulin, and straw. The products contain biodegradable active ingredients that leave no harmful residue in the soil and limit the release of toxic gases.
According to Prof. Dr. Ngo Quoc Anh, the head of the research component on "Technology for manufacturing effective new generation, multi-purpose, environmentally friendly firefighting gel", the component has been granted a utility solution patent No. 39587/QD-SHTT.IP. Two articles on the research have been published in magazines under Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE), one article in the Scopus journal, and one in the reputable national journal. The project was evaluated as type A by the Academy-level Scientific Research Project Acceptance Council
Prof. Dr. Thai Hoang from the Institute of Materials Science, who is also a member of the Evaluation Council, commented that test results showed that all firefighting gel products met the required standards in quantity, volume, type, and quality, including products exceed the quality standards. The technical documents, technologies, and reference documents were clearly cited and regularly updated.
The product testing process shows the detailed characteristics, structural morphology and fire-fighting efficiency with high accuracy and reliability. The component has made good contributions to technical and technological research related to the manufacture of new generation, multi-purpose and environmentally friendly firefighting gels. These firefighting gel products all have potential applications in fire prevention and fighting and are highly likely to be commercialised.
Currently, the scientists involved in this project at the Institute of Chemistry are continuing their research efforts to further improve product quality before being commercialised. This is a significant breakthrough, aiming for a sustainable solution in research and the application of post-research products into real-life practice.
