Preparation and flame retardant mechanism of a novel biomass thermo-sensitive fire prevention and extinguishing gel

A novel biomass thermo-responsive composite gel (KGM@SSG) synthesized from konjac glucomannan (KGM), steel slag (SS), and silica fume (SF) prevents spontaneous coal combustion. This gel shows commendable flowability, accelerated gelation, excellent moisture retention, and superior flame-retardant properties. Compositional and structural changes were analyzed using XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TG. Results reveal that the amorphous compound Calcium (Aluminum) Silicate Hydrate (C-(A)-S-H), derived from hydrated SS and SF, integrates into KGM's three-dimensional network, enhancing robustness. Thermogravimetric analysis, thermal experiments, and in-situ infrared spectroscopy confirm that KGM@SSG mitigates temperature surges during ignition and inhibits coal decomposition. When applied to coal, it moisturizes the surface, forms a protective coating, slows temperature increases, blocks oxygen adsorption, reduces interactions between active components and oxygen species, and prevents thermal accumulation, supported by molecular dynamics simulations.