A new flame retardant for wood products, known as Burnblock, has garnered attention for its effectiveness in preventing fire. Developed by the Danish company of the same name, Burnblock has been incorporated into the treatment of wood by Halt, a Belfast-based wood treatment company. This substance aims to slow the spread of flames, with tests showing treated wood remains structurally intact while wood treated with a different product collapses under flames.
The exact composition of Burnblock remains undisclosed, with only some ingredients listed in available documentation, including citric acid and components found in berries. This is notable amidst growing concerns regarding the toxicity of many traditional flame retardants that have been used historically.
Halt has provided Burnblock-treated wood products to numerous sites across the UK and Ireland, including HS2 construction projects, where safety during potential fire incidents is a priority. Significant questions arise about the long-term effectiveness and reliability of new flame retardants, as similar initiatives have sometimes failed to maintain market presence.
In the backdrop of heightened wildfire risks, innovative solutions are also being explored. One involves a graphene-based additive, PureGRAPH, aimed at enhancing the fire resistance of plastics, commonly used in construction. First Graphene suggests this material works by creating a protective barrier against ignition.
Moreover, researchers, such as Eric Appel at Stanford University, are developing gel-like fire retardants that can be applied to structures ahead of wildfires. Initial tests have indicated that these gels can form a protective aerogel structure when exposed to flames, offering a promising avenue for fire protection technology.
As new fire retardant technologies emerge, ongoing evaluation of their efficacy and safety will be crucial.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgkee0pw4ko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss