Hydrogel-to-Aerogel Transitions in Polymer-Particle Hydrogels Expand the Wildfire Defense Window.

ABSTRACT: The 2025 Los Angeles wildfires caused widespread urban destruction and displacement, and severe economic losses, highlighting the urgent need for better fire retardants. Current fire suppression strategies rely heavily on water, chemical fire retardants, and water-enhancing gels, which use superabsorbent polymers to retain water and adhere to substrates, offering extended fire protection compared to water alone. However, their effectiveness is limited by evaporation and degradation under extreme heat and wind conditions. This study investigates the thermal properties, evaporation dynamics, and fire retardancy mechanisms of a novel polymer-particle (PP) hydrogel with aerogel-forming capabilities. The boiling-induced water vapor expansion and bubble nucleation drive the transformation of the

SUBMITTER: Dong C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12291078 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature