Optimizing Xanthan Gum for Enhanced Fire Extinguishing Performance of Eco-Friendly Short-Chain Fluorocarbon Surfactant Foam

Abstract

Addressing the environmental challenges posed by traditional foam extinguishing agents containing persistent pollutants, the development of eco-friendly alternatives has become imperative. This study investigates the effect of xanthan gum (XG) on the fire extinguishing performance of PFH-BZ foam formulated with short-chain fluorocarbon surfactant. By analyzing foam formation, drainage characteristics, and suppression process, the underlying mechanism by which XG influences foam extinguishing performance was elucidated. The results indicate that XG exerts dual effects on foam properties. While its viscosity-increasing effect improves foam stability, excessive XG addition impairs foaming and spreading capabilities, reducing fuel surface coverage and smothering efficiency. Moreover, a high concentration of XG hinders drainage behavior, which in turn inhibits the formation of spreadable aqueous films, thereby reducing cooling and extinguishing efficiency. The PFH-BZ foam with 0.02 wt.% XG exhibits excellent foaming and spreading capabilities, enabling rapid coverage of fuel surfaces. Additionally, its moderate drainage characteristics facilitate spreadable aqueous film formation, achieving efficient cooling and smothering effects. The optimized PFH-BZ foam exhibits the shortest extinction time of 35.4 s, the lowest transient temperature rise of 60.8 °C, and the highest cooling rate of 16.8 °C/s. Environmental assessments reveal that the optimized PFH-BZ foam exhibits higher biodegradability than conventional foam.