Booth Id:
MATS055T
Category:
Materials Science
Year:
2023
Finalist Names:
Luu, Khang (School: Armand Hammer United World College)
Wirta, Thomas (School: Armand Hammer United World College)
Zapala, Ewa (School: Armand Hammer United World College)
Abstract:
The high occurrence of fires and explosions worldwide makes fire prevention a top priority to protect people and property. Common fire-fighting materials include water, CO2 gas, fire fighting powder, and fire fighting foam, but lesser-known flame-retardant gels have also proven effective. However, research on flame retardant gels and their potential is limited.
To explore this potential, our study focused on creating a flame-retardant gel by synthesizing a biodegradable superabsorbent polymer material from tapioca starch using graft copolymerization with acrylic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, and ammonium polyphosphate. This aimed to examine the possibilities of this new technology while making it more environmentally-friendly.
The resulting hydrogel product was tested for its fire-resistant properties and found to be effective in preventing combustion. Therefore, the study highlights the potential of using biodegradable superabsorbent polymer materials as an effective and eco-friendly fire retardant.