Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-05-26 Origin: Site
Firefighting foam has long been a frontline defense in controlling dangerous fires, especially those involving flammable liquids like fuel, oil, and chemicals. For decades, Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), containing fluorinated surfactants, has been the go-to solution due to its exceptional ability to suppress fire quickly and prevent re-ignition. However, as awareness grows about the long-term environmental and health risks associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—the active ingredients in AFFF—the fire protection industry has been working urgently to develop Fluorine Free Foams (FFF) that offer comparable performance without the environmental cost.
In recent years, major advances in FFF formulation and engineering have transformed these products from niche alternatives into serious contenders. What was once viewed as a compromise is now increasingly recognized as a viable—and often superior—solution for a wide range of firefighting applications. This article explores the science behind these innovations, the performance milestones achieved, and how the foam industry is reshaping itself for a cleaner, safer future.
The use of PFAS in traditional firefighting foams has sparked global concern because these chemicals are extremely persistent. Once released into the environment, they do not easily break down and can accumulate in groundwater, soil, and even human tissue. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to cancer, hormonal imbalances, immune system disruption, and developmental issues in children.
Regulators across the world—from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)—are introducing bans, restrictions, and phase-out plans for PFAS-containing products. This has created an urgent demand for effective alternatives that do not rely on fluorinated compounds but can still provide dependable fire suppression.
The transition to fluorine-free foam wasn’t immediate or simple. Early versions of FFF often fell short in critical performance areas such as:
Knockdown speed: The time it takes to suppress flames was significantly longer than AFFF.
Burnback resistance: The ability to prevent re-ignition after the foam has been disturbed or partially removed was weaker.
Spreading behavior: Without the film-forming characteristics of PFAS, early FFF products had difficulty covering fuel surfaces uniformly.
Fuel compatibility: Certain hydrocarbons resisted foam coverage, reducing the effectiveness of fire suppression.
These limitations initially restricted FFF use to training or low-risk scenarios. However, continued investment in research and technology has led to breakthroughs that now allow FFF to meet—and sometimes exceed—the standards set by AFFF.
Modern FFF products use optimized blends of hydrocarbon-based surfactants, including alkyl ether sulfates, betaines, and sugar-based agents. These compounds are engineered to mimic the spreading behavior of fluorinated surfactants without their toxic side effects.
By adjusting the surfactant mix, foam developers can improve:
Film elasticity for surface coverage
Bubble strength to resist heat collapse
Foam flow rate for quick expansion and spread
New formulations allow foams to float on volatile fuels like gasoline and kerosene more effectively than earlier FFF products.
To tackle the issue of burnback, some FFFs now include heat-resistant polymers and thickeners that increase foam stability under intense thermal stress. These polymers form a semi-stable layer over the burning liquid, giving firefighters more time to suppress hot spots and prevent re-flash.
This addition brings performance closer to traditional AFFF in terms of durability while remaining PFAS-free.
FFF products are now engineered to maintain ideal expansion ratios (typically between 6:1 and 10:1 for low expansion systems) and slow drain times—the period foam maintains its structure before collapsing. These characteristics are crucial for both extinguishment and post-fire security.
Advanced formulations allow foams to remain stable longer on burning liquids, which is critical in oil refineries, storage facilities, and airport fuel depots.
Another area of innovation lies not just in the foam itself, but in how it is tested and validated. Leading manufacturers are now developing FFF that meets or exceeds international performance standards, including:
EN 1568 Parts 3 and 4: These European standards test foam performance against hydrocarbon and polar solvent fuels.
NFPA 11 and UL 162: Widely accepted U.S. standards for foam fire suppression systems.
ICAO Level B/C: For aviation applications, where rapid extinguishment is critical.
Some newer FFF formulations have achieved ICAO Level B performance, something previously thought impossible without fluorinated chemicals. These results are supported by live fire tests using standard fuel pans, application rates, and realistic conditions.
The latest generation of FFF is being adopted across a broad range of sectors:
Aviation: Airports in Europe, the U.S., and Asia are shifting to certified fluorine free solutions for runway incidents and hangar protection.
Oil & Gas: Offshore platforms and refineries are implementing FFF systems as part of sustainability commitments.
Chemical Storage: Facilities that store flammable liquids are replacing AFFF to comply with environmental regulations.
Fire Brigades: Municipal and industrial fire services are increasingly choosing FFF for training and live incident use to avoid environmental contamination.
With the right formulation and training, FFF performs exceptionally well in both preventive and emergency scenarios.
Unlike AFFF, fluorine free foams do not introduce PFAS into the environment. This eliminates a significant long-term liability for operators, while also reducing cleanup and remediation costs. Key benefits include:
Groundwater protection: No fluorinated runoff that can infiltrate aquifers.
Safe training: Fire services can use FFF for drills without special containment or cleanup.
Worker health: Reduced exposure to carcinogenic or endocrine-disrupting compounds.
These advantages align with corporate sustainability goals and regulatory compliance, giving companies an added incentive to switch.
While FFF is generally more expensive per liter than legacy AFFF, the overall cost of ownership is often lower when considering:
Reduced environmental risk
Simplified disposal
Lower long-term liability
Decreased health monitoring costs for exposed personnel
Modern firefighting foam systems are also being designed or upgraded to support both AFFF and FFF, allowing phased implementation without disrupting operations.
As the demand for high-performance FFF grows, manufacturers are investing heavily in R&D, field testing, and customer support to ease the transition and raise product reliability.
One such company at the forefront is Jiangsu Suolong Fire Science and Technology Co., Ltd. Suolong has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what fluorine free foams can achieve. Through advanced formulation techniques, strict quality control, and compliance with international standards, the company has developed FFF products that are:
Effective across a range of fuel types
Environmentally safe and fully biodegradable
Tested under real-world fire conditions
Compatible with standard firefighting equipment
Suolong also provides training and technical guidance to help customers make the switch from AFFF with confidence and clarity.
The transition from AFFF to fluorine free foam represents one of the most significant shifts in fire protection technology in decades. Thanks to ongoing innovation in formulation, performance testing, and environmental safety, FFF now offers a realistic, responsible alternative to traditional foams.
With companies like Jiangsu Suolong Fire Science and Technology Co., Ltd. leading the charge, the industry is proving that fire safety and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand. The future of firefighting foam is not only safer but smarter—designed for a world where performance and protection extend beyond the fireline.