Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFF) Amaris Chemical (1)

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFF)

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Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFF) is a highly effective synthetic firefighting foam concentrate designed to extinguish flammable liquid fires (Class B) by forming a water-based film that rapidly cuts off oxygen and halts vapor release. Modern formulations are increasingly fluorine-free (PFAS-free), providing high-performance fire suppression while addressing significant environmental and health concerns associated with legacy PFAS-containing foams. It is used in fixed systems and portable equipment across aviation, maritime, petrochemical, and industrial sectors.

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Category: SPECIALTY AND FINE CHEMICALS Tags: AFFF Concentrate, Aqueous Film Forming Foam, AR-AFFF, Class B Fire Suppression, Firefighting Foam, Fluorine-Free Foam (FFF), Industrial Safety Chemical, PFAS-Free Firefighting Agent

Description

Table of Contents

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFF)

Primary Uses

Aviation & Airport Firefighting
- The standard agent for ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting) vehicles for crash fire response.
- Used in hangar protection systems and fuel farm deluge systems.
Petrochemical & Oil Industry
- Protects refineries, processing plants, and storage terminals for hydrocarbons, alcohols, and polar solvents (depending on grade).
- Applied in spill fire scenarios and as a vapor suppression agent.
Marine & Offshore Applications
- Installed in engine rooms, pump rooms, and deck foam systems on ships and offshore platforms.
- Used for combating fuel and lubricant fires in marine environments.
Industrial Fire Protection
- Safeguards warehouses, flammable liquid storage areas, and manufacturing facilities using combustible liquids.
- Integral part of safety protocols for high-hazard industrial operations.

Secondary Uses

Municipal Fire Brigades
- Carried by hazard response units for flammable liquid transportation incidents (e.g., tanker truck fires).
Military Applications
- Used for shipboard, airfield, and vehicle fire protection (with a mandated shift to PFAS-free formulations).
Training Exercises
- Used in controlled, contained training environments, with a strong preference for PFAS-free, environmentally compliant foams.

Additional information

CONCENTRATIONS	3%, 6%

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): Mixture of hydrocarbon and fluorinated surfactants, solvents, and polymers (legacy); Hydrocarbon surfactants, polymers, and stabilizers (modern PFAS-free).
Common/Trade Name: AFFF, AFF, Fluorine-Free Foam (FFF), Film-Forming Fluoroprotein Foam (FFFP).
CAS Number: Mixture; varies by formulation.
HS Code: 3814.00.00 (Firefighting chemical preparations)
Synonyms: Alcohol-Resistant Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AR-AFFF), Synthetic Firefighting Foam.

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Liquid concentrate
Color & Odor: Amber to brown liquid; characteristic odor.
pH (as supplied): 7.0 - 9.5
Solubility: Miscible with water in all proportions.
Freezing Point: Varies; typically protected with antifreeze agents.
Density: ~1.01 - 1.10 g/cm³ at 20°C

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

GHS Classification: May cause skin irritation (Category 2). May cause eye irritation (Category 2). Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (if containing PFAS).
Toxicity: Low acute toxicity but chronic ecological toxicity is a major concern for PFAS foams.
Exposure Limits: Avoid inhalation of vapor or aerosol and prolonged skin contact.

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in original containers in a cool, dry, ventilated area. Protect from freezing and excessive heat (>50°C).
Container Type: HDPE drums, totes, or stainless steel tanks. Must be corrosion-resistant.
Shelf Life: Typically 10-25 years for sealed, properly stored concentrate.
Handling Precautions: Use gloves and safety goggles. Ensure good ventilation. Use non-sparking tools.

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Complies with:
- Performance Standards: IMO MSC.1/Circ. 1312, UL 162, EN 1568, ICAO Level A/B/C.
- Environmental Regulations: Increasingly banned/restricted for PFAS-containing formulations (EU, US State-level). Must comply with local discharge rules.
- Industry Approvals: FAA, US Navy (MIL-F-24385 superseded), last fire.

6. Environmental & Health Impact

Biodegradability: PFAS-free formulations are readily biodegradable. Legacy PFAS foams are non-biodegradable.
Ecotoxicity: PFAS compounds are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT). Fluorine-free foams present a significantly lower environmental hazard.
Persistence: PFAS are "forever chemicals" with indefinite environmental persistence.
Bioaccumulation: PFAS accumulate in living organisms, including humans.

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE Required: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile), safety goggles, and protective clothing.
Handling Guidelines: Prevent spills. Do not contaminate water sources. Handle in well-ventilated areas.
Storage Measures: Keep away from oxidizers and acids. Ensure bunding for secondary containment.

First Aid Measures

- Inhalation: Move to fresh air.
- Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water.
- Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Seek medical advice.

Firefighting Measures

- Fire Hazards: Not flammable, but exposure to high heat may produce hazardous decomposition products.
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray to cool containers and dilute spills.
- Special Precautions: Firefighters must use SCBA. Combat fire from a safe distance.
- Hazardous Combustion Products: May include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen fluoride (from PFAS foams), and aldehydes.