Research in to the propagation of fire has improved in leaps and bounds. Through flow dynamics and computer simulations, scientists can determine were and how flame can be prevented or contained. Through these simulations new materials and chemical compounds can be created. One of these chemicals is a powder that can be added to paints and other surface type coatings. Fire retardant coatings can help suppress the spread of fires. They can even prevent the flame from starting by smothering the oxygen needed for the flame to propagate.
Coating materials can also help reduce the heat between surfaces thus preventing the surface to reach its ignition point. Every year millions are spent on flame prevention. Various forms of these compounds can be found. Gas type retardants are used for flame suppression systems in factories. Powders are added to extinguishers for household use. Stunt men apply gel types to give the illusion of being set alight without actually been burnt.
The use of these coatings for firefighting clothing and equipment is a major life saving break through. Flame retardation has become so important that it has become a industry stand across most countries. Flame retardant chemicals are used in both household and industrial extinguishers. These chemicals are usually non toxic and environmentally friendly.
The retardants are added to water and dropped from aircraft to prevent the spread of fires to other areas of the forest. In many house hold mattresses furniture and even bedding are treated with flame retardants. Some furniture is built with resistant material. Many new types of foam have these chemicals added to them which allow them to self-extinguish.
Fire fighters have been on the forefront of prevention. From there clothing to their personal protection equipment, all these items have some form of coating to protect them for the flame . Most firefighting engines use these chemicals, they add it to the water to help maintain and control the flame.
Wild fires can be contained by adding these compounds to water and dropping over areas that have not yet been ravaged by them. This helps prevent the flame from spreading to urban areas were occupants escape routes may have been blocked. These compounds are not flame proof but are merely resistant. It only helps to suppress the flame for a short period of time in order to either contain the flames or allow time for the occupants to flee the building.
These coatings are all round you, without even knowing about it. Helping protect you in your everyday lives and maybe even saving lives in the process. It will always be around and through prevention, it can be controlled and not be let to run amok. Famous cities have been devastated by fires. Even in modern times, a flame has been the downfall of some great monuments.
Governments have realized that by setting standards in industry and having manufactures add these gasses, powders and gels to the manufacturing process they can reduce the risk of loss of life and property, thus saving billions a year. Fire retardant coatings has thus far been one of the best invention of the century and will continue to play and important part of life.
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