CHAPTER 7: Understanding Aqueous Film-forming Foam Components

Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) concentrates are complex and proprietary formulations used for fighting hydrocarbon fuel fires in defence and civilian applications globally. They are a mixture of fluorosurfactants, hydrocarbon surfactants, organic solvents, foam stabilizers, and other additives (pH buffers, anti-freeze agents, corrosion inhibitors, electrolytes, sequestrants, and biocides). To understand the mechanism of action of AFFF concentrates in fire suppression, the study of the roles and effects of individual components is necessary. This chapter is intended to give an insight into the use of different components and the evolution of modern fluorotelomer-based AFFF concentrates from legacy foams.