A bold promise for safer buildings is being made by the developers of a revolutionary fire-blocking chemical. But is it too good to be true? Let's dive into this intriguing story.
I recently had the opportunity to investigate a fascinating liquid substance, a unique flame retardant for wood products, and its potential to transform the construction industry.
The Mystery of Burnblock
Burnblock, a product shrouded in secrecy, has caught the attention of many. Despite its mysterious nature, it has proven its worth in tests, as demonstrated in a revealing video. Two miniature houses, one treated with Burnblock and the other with a different product, were subjected to a blowtorch. The untreated house collapsed in flames, while the Burnblock-treated model remained largely intact, with only minor charring.
So, what exactly is Burnblock? Its creators, including Stephen McCann, General & Technical Manager at Halt, and Hroar Bay-Smidt, CEO of Burnblock, are keeping the ingredients under wraps. However, a hint is provided on Burnblock's website, stating that the flame retardant is "a natural component in the body" and contains citric acid and "a natural component in some berries."
A Historical Perspective
Flame retardants have a long history, with various forms developed over centuries. However, many 20th-century flame retardants are highly toxic, as highlighted by Alex Morgan, a chemist and flame retardant expert. He notes the lack of investment in replacements, leading to a sudden scramble for safer alternatives.
How Burnblock Works
When wood treated with Burnblock is exposed to fire, it forms a protective char layer, as explained by Mr. Bay-Smidt. Additionally, it releases water, which helps absorb heat and slow the fire's spread. This unique mechanism also prevents oxygen from feeding the flames. Burnblock can be applied to various building materials, including dried seagrass, offering versatile protection.
Real-World Applications
Halt, the company behind Burnblock-treated wood products, has supplied its innovative materials to various locations across the UK and Ireland. From restaurants and hotels to the HS2 project, Halt's treated wood has been trusted for its fire-resistant properties. Mr. McCann confirms that none of the buildings constructed with Halt's wood have experienced fires to date, highlighting its effectiveness.
The Treatment Process
The treatment process is fascinating. Halt's autoclave machine, consisting of two large horizontal tubes, first exposes wood to a vacuum, opening up its pores. Then, the appropriate pressure and treatment fluid are applied, forcing the fire retardant deep into the timber's core. The wood is then dried in a kiln for an extended period, ranging from 10 days to six weeks, to ensure a careful and controlled process.
Expert Insights
Professor Richard Hull, an expert in fire retardants from the University of Lancaster, praises timber's ability to absorb treatment fluids within its pores. He believes it's possible to change the chemistry of its burning behavior, making it an "amazing material." However, Prof. Hull remains skeptical of new flame retardants, citing past trends where certain ideas gained traction but eventually faded.
Plastic Flame Resistance
While timber burns at a fixed rate, making plastic flame-resistant is a different challenge. Plastics tend to burn at an accelerating rate, as explained by Dr. Morgan. He refers to polyethylene, a common construction plastic, as "solid gasoline" due to its rapid burning capacity.
Graphene's Potential
First Graphene, an Australian company, claims to have found a solution to slow fire spread in plastics by adding graphene. Michael Bell, the company's CEO, says their product, PureGRAPH, has already been incorporated into protective footwear and conveyor belts used in mining. However, graphene's enigmatic nature leaves room for uncertainty, and the company acknowledges that other mechanisms may be at play.
Health Concerns
When asked about graphene's potential health impact after a fire, a spokeswoman for First Graphene stated, "There's no data suggesting that graphene poses any health hazards. The industry continues to test and evaluate these aspects."
Licensing Opportunities
In the UK, Vector Homes is preparing to license PureGRAPH to plastic pellet makers, who can use it to create construction materials like fascia boards. Liam Britnell, CTO of Vector Homes, believes the graphene-infused plastic performs exceptionally well in fire resistance tests.
Wildfire Protection
Dr. Morgan highlights the increasing threat of wildfires, leading to innovative solutions like gel-like fire retardants developed by Eric Appel and colleagues at Stanford University. These gels, when sprayed onto homes hours before a wildfire, form a protective barrier, limiting potential damage. Prof. Appel plans to test these substances on mini structures soon, with promising initial results.
And this is the part most people miss...
While we often focus on internal building fires, external threats like wildfires are becoming more prevalent. This highlights the need for comprehensive fire protection strategies, both inside and outside our buildings.
Controversial Interpretation?
Some may argue that the secrecy surrounding Burnblock's ingredients raises concerns. Should we trust a product whose composition is not fully disclosed? What are your thoughts? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below!
