OPTIMIZATION OF THE CONCENTRATION OF SURFACTANTS IN THE COMPOSITION OF FOAMING EXTINGUISHING AGENTS

The aim of the work is to experimentally determine the optimal amount of surfactants in foaming formulations to improve the quality of fire extinguishing. The relevance of the study is due to the need for a sound approach to improving fire extinguishing compounds that combine optimal properties. To achieve this goal, the stalagmometry method was used, which made it possible to estimate the surface tension of surfactant solutions in the concentration range from 0.01 to 5 %. During the experiment, the main rheological characteristics were identified, the critical concentration of micelle formation (KKM) was determined, and an analysis was performed using the Gibbs adsorption equation to determine the surface excess concentration of surfactants. The main task was to establish concentrations that ensure a balance between low 
surface tension and high foaming capacity. The results of the study showed that the dependence of surface tension on concentration has a two-stage character with a clearly defined minimum, which indicates that saturation of the adsorption layer has been achieved at KKM. It has been experimentally established that the use of a surfactant solution in a concentration of 0.2–0.3 % ensures the formation of foam with improved performance characteristics: increased wettability, uniformity of coating and stability of the foam layer during extinguishing. A certain optimal concentration range allows the development of highly effective extinguishing agents based on surfactants.