Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) is a highly efficient fire suppression agent that is used to protect flammable liquid hazards in the U.S. military, commercial aviation, and industrial situations. Originally developed at the Naval Research Laboratory in collaboration with 3M, AFFF must meet strict military standards (MIL-F-24385) in order to be used by the military and US airports.<br/>The history of MIL-F-24385 AFFF development will be reviewed, including the distinguishing performance factors that separate the effectiveness of MIL SPEC AFFF to other commercial foam agents such as film foaming fluoroprotein (FFFP), fluoroprotein (FP) and commercial grade AFFF. The germane National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards which address liquid fuel fire hazards and foam protection will be reviewed. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has continued to regulate the environmental impact of foams, including strict limitations on perfluoroalkyl surfactants within AFFF. The solvents typically used in the AFFF such as glycol ethers and ethylene or propylene glycol also impact the environment. Methods employed to help mitigate the introduction of fluorinated foam agents into the environment will be addressed. The challenge of formulating next generation foam agents, without degrading performance, will be discussed. This includes the development of completely fluorine-free agents and the reduction of solvents.

Historical review of fluorinated foam firefighting agents and performance requirements/environmental safeguards review

251st National Meeting (2016)

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