| abstract |
An improved aqueous film-forming foamable concentrate which is particularly useful for extinguishing flammable liquid fires. The preferred formulation contains (a) fluoroaliphatic amphoteric surfactant, preferably a fluorinated aminocarboxylate having a C4 to C10 perfluoroaliphatic group, (b) fluoroaliphatic anionic surfactant, preferably a C4 to C10 perfluoroalkane suflonate, and (C) short chain (C6 to C10) alkyl ether sufate hydrocarbon surfactant. When the concentrate is diluted with fresh or sea water and aerated, an aqueous film-forming foam is produced which is useful in extinguishing flammable liquid fires such as a fuel fire. The foam quickly spreads a superior vapor-sealing film on the surface of a burning fuel. The film reforms quickly when disturbed. The improved film-forming properties results in quicker and more reliable extinguishment of flammable liquid fires. |