Speakers - 2026

Title: Nanomaterials for effective industrial fire control

Abstract

Nanomaterials are rapidly transforming industrial fire control by adding new mechanisms for flame retardancy, rapid suppression, smoke/toxin reduction, and durable passive protection of structures and equipment. At the material level, nanoparticles (nanoclays, silica, metal oxides, graphene derivatives, and functionalized carbon nanomaterials) improve traditional fire-retardant systems in three ways: they increase char strength and thermal insulation, act as catalytic sites that reduce flammable volatiles, and raise the effectiveness-per-weight of intumescent or coating formulations. For active suppression, engineered nano-particles and nano-colloids are being investigated as additives to water, foams, and powders to speed heat removal, increase vapor condensation, and enhance surface wetting on burning fuels. Metal-oxide and alumina-based nanocolloids can interrupt combustion chemistry and rapidly cool flames, shortening extinguishing time compared with some conventional powders. These approaches also show promise for lowering smoke and toxic byproducts because the high surface area of nanoparticles increases sorption and catalytic decomposition of harmful combustion products. Thin, nano-reinforced intumescent coatings and ceramic-forming nanolayers applied to steel, composites, or cable assemblies form compact, heat-insulating chars at elevated temperatures that preserve structural integrity and delay heat transfer — critical during industrial fires where load-bearing failure must be prevented long enough for evacuation and firefighting. Graphene oxide, nanoclay, and hybrid nanoparticle additives have been shown to dramatically reduce heat release and smoke generation when incorporated into polymer coatings and foams. A high-impact niche is fluorine-free, nano-enabled foam and surfactant technology. Because legacy AFFF foams contain persistent PFAS chemicals, research has focused on nano-encapsulation of ionic liquids and engineered amphiphiles to create effective, less-toxic class B foams. Nano-encapsulation can protect active surfactants, improve foam stability, and tailor release on contact with hydrocarbon fuel surfaces — a promising route to replace environmentally harmful formulations. Practical benefits for industry include lower loading of additive (so mechanical and electrical properties remain acceptable), longer service life of passive protections, faster suppression with reduced water/foam volumes, and lower post-fire remediation cost due to decreased toxic residues. This review work will provide a clear picture of the nanomaterials used in different industrial fire control.

The audience take away from presentation:

1. The audience will gain a clear understanding of how nanomaterials are emerging as highly effective solutions in modern industrial fire control systems. They will learn that traditional fire suppression methods, though functional, often face limitations such as slow response time, environmental impact, and inefficiency at extreme temperatures.
2. Participants will understand different types of nanomaterials currently being researched and utilized, such as nano-coatings, nano-composites, and nano-encapsulated fire retardants. These materials can be applied to equipment surfaces, electrical components, building structures, and fire safety devices to significantly reduce flammability, heat release, and smoke generation.
3. The audience will also learn about flame-retardant nanoparticles like carbon nanotubes, silica nanoparticles, and metal oxides, which improve thermal stability and delay ignition.
4. Another key takeaway will be knowledge of how nanotechnology supports early fire detection. Nano-sensors, for example, can detect minute changes in gas composition or temperature, enabling automatic fire alarm systems to respond before a flame becomes visible. This feature highlights the potential of nanotechnology to shift fire safety practices from reactive to predictive and preventive.