In a significant advancement in wildfire safety, researchers at Stanford University have developed a new water-enhancing gel that promises to offer better and longer-lasting protection for homes and critical infrastructure during wildfires.
The study, published in Advanced Materials, demonstrates that this innovative gel outperforms existing commercial solutions in both durability and effectiveness.
Traditional water-enhancing gels, which are made from super-absorbent polymers similar to those used in diapers, typically dry out within 45 minutes under wildfire conditions. This rapid evaporation limits their effectiveness. However, the new gel, developed by Eric Appel, associate professor of materials science and engineering, and his team, addresses this limitation by incorporating a novel dual-layer protection system.
ENHANCED PROTECTION WITH A UNIQUE COMPOSITION
The new gel combines a cellulose-based polymer with silica particles, which provide a multi-stage defence. Initially, the gel swells into a thick, wet layer when mixed with water and applied to surfaces. As the water evaporates due to the intense heat of a wildfire, the cellulose burns away, leaving behind a robust silica aerogel. This aerogel acts as an excellent insulator, scattering heat and protecting the underlying structure.
SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE IN TESTS
In laboratory tests, the new gel demonstrated impressive results. When applied to plywood and exposed to direct flames from a gas torch—burning at higher temperatures than a typical wildfire—the gel protected the plywood for over 7 minutes before charring began. In contrast, commercial water-enhancing gels only provided protection for less than 90 seconds.
A SERENDIPITOUS DISCOVERY
The development of this gel emerged from previous research on wildfire retardants conducted by Appel’s team. The discovery of the aerogel’s protective properties was an unexpected but promising outcome during initial tests. Since then, the researchers have refined the gel’s formulation to ensure it is stable, easy to apply, and environmentally friendly.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
The gel’s components are non-toxic and have been approved by the U.S. Forest Service. Additionally, the gel breaks down easily through soil microbes, making it safe for both people and the environment. Future steps include pilot-scale applications to evaluate the gel’s effectiveness in real-world scenarios.
FUTURE PROSPECTS
Stanford researchers hope to further optimize the gel and explore its potential for widespread use in wildfire-prone areas. With its extended protection and environmental safety, this gel represents a significant advancement in wildfire defence technology, potentially safeguarding homes and infrastructure against the increasing threat of wildfires.
The innovative water-enhancing gel developed at Stanford University offers a promising solution to enhance wildfire protection. By addressing the limitations of current commercial gels, this new technology could play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of wildfires on critical infrastructure and communities.
