Emulsion-templated, macroporous hydrogels for enhancing water efficiency in fighting fires

Abstract

We present hydrogel polyHIPEs for enhancing water efficiency in fighting fires. The hydrogel polyHIPEs with interconnected macroporous structures have been fabricated from oil-in-water high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) templating. Hydrogel polyHIPEs exhibit high water uptake and rapid water absorption, reaching hundreds of their dry weights in one minute. Hydrogel polyHIPEs show excellent cooling effect, and the high water uptakes and rapid absorption are well preserved after four cycles of partially drying-absorption. The water requirement and extinguishing time are significantly reduced, demonstrating hydrogel polyHIPEs to be an excellent candidate for enhancing water efficiency in fighting fires.