Gonzalo Sanz Segovia | 30/07/2025
Nanotechnology, which works with materials on an incredibly small scale, has revolutionized many areas and fire safety is no exception. In this article we’ll explore how nanotechnology is transforming fire-resistant materials, making them more efficient and safer.
What is nanotechnology?
Before delving into its applications, it’s important to understand what nanotechnology is all about. Basically, it involves material manipulation techniques at atomic and molecular level, i.e., on a scale of nanometers (nm). This capacity to work on such a small scale enables the creation of materials with unique and improved properties.
1nm = 10-9 m = 1/1,000,000m = one billionth of 1 meter
To bring the scale of a nanometer closer to human understanding, it’s sufficient to indicate that the lungs can only remove particles greater than 200 nanometers. Smaller particles can reach any part of the body without any filters.
Fireproof materials: an imperative requirement
Fireproof materials have become essential in construction, aeronautics and many other fields. Their main protective function is to prevent or delay the spread of the fire, providing valuable time for evacuation, the intervention of firefighters and limiting human and material damages. Traditional materials don’t offer all the desired protection and this is where nanotechnology comes into play.
Nanotechnology to the rescue
1. Metallic oxide nanoparticles: Some of these nanoparticles, like zinc oxide or titanium oxide, are known for their flame retardant properties. These particles can be incorporated into paints, coatings and other materials to improve their fire resistance properties. They also have the advantage of being transparent, which makes them ideal for applications where the aesthetic component is relevant.
2. Nanocomposites: These materials incorporate nanoparticles in a base matrix. These nanoparticles can be of various types:
• Clays
• Metal oxides
• Carbon nanotubes
Composite nanomaterials are usually classified (nanocomposites) depending on the type of matrix used:
• Ceramic matrix
• Metallic matrix
• Polymer matrix
The thermal properties of composite nanomaterial are significantly different from that of component materials separately and imbue them with properties such as:
• Intumescence: Process in which the material swells and forms a carbonated layer that acts as a protective barrier against heat and oxygen.
• Release of inert gases: Some nano compounds release inert gases like nitrogen or carbon dioxide, which dilute flammable gases in the air and reduce oxygen concentration.
• Heat absorption: Nanomaterials can absorb large amounts of heat, which delays the increase in temperature of the material and the start of the fire.
• Inhibition of chemical reactions: Some nanocomposites can inhibit chemical reactions that lead to the spread of fire.
3. Nanostructured coatings: Another interesting application is the use of nanostructured coatings. These can be applied to surfaces like wood, metal or textiles, to improve fire resistance. Nanostructured coatings can act as thermal barriers, reflecting heat and preventing the underlying material from heating up too quickly.
4. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs): Carbon nanotubes are extremely strong and light cyclical structures. When incorporated into fire-resistant materials, their mechanical and thermal resistance improves. Carbon nanotubes can also help dissipate heat more efficiently, thereby reducing the risk of ignition.
5. Extinguishing agents: Nano energy fluids contain metal powders or nanostructured oxidizers with a high concentration of stored energy. When they come into contact with fire, they release non-flammable gases that extinguish the fire.
Nano emulsions are mixtures of water, surfactants and nanoparticles. With their ability to finely disperse one liquid into an immiscible one, these miniscule drops can extinguish fires by evaporating quickly (causing cooling) and at the same time, creating an emulsion that temporarily disables combustion on the surface. This type of emulsion is especially effective in flammable liquid fires.
Additional benefits
In addition to improving fire resistance, fire-resistant materials based on this technology offer other benefits. For example, they can be lighter and more durable than traditional materials. They can also be more ecological, as some nanoparticles can replace chemical flame retardants, which are often toxic and harmful to the environment. Research is being conducted into nanomaterials based on renewable resources.
Practical applications
Nanotechnology in fireproof materials is not just laboratory theory; it’s already being applied in various industries with promising results.
1. Construction: In the construction industry, nanocomposites and nanostructured coatings are being used to improve fire resistant properties of materials like concrete, steel and wood. For example, nanotechnology-based flame retardants can be applied to steel structures to reduce their propensity to weaken in the event of a fire.
2. Textiles: In the textile industry, nanoparticles of metal oxides are incorporated into fabrics to create clothing and protective equipment with fireproof properties. This is especially useful for firefighters and other professionals working in high-risk environments.
3. Electronic: In the field of electronics, carbon nanotubes are used to improve the fire resistance of electronic components. This is crucial for preventing fires in electronic devices and energy storage systems. New types of sensors are also being developed to detect and monitor fires, with improved sensitivity and reliability capabilities.
4. Transport: Nanotechnology-based firefighting materials are used in the automotive and aerospace industry. Flame retardants can be applied to the internal surfaces of vehicles to improve safety in the event of fire.
Challenges and considerations
Although the applications of nanotechnology in fireproof materials are promising, there are also numerous challenges to be tackled. Producing nanoparticles can be expensive and complex and it’s crucial to ensure that these materials are safe for humans and the environment. Research in this field is constantly evolving, and we are likely to see significant progress in the coming years.
1. Costs: It’s currently more expensive to produce nanotechnology-based materials than traditional materials. The most pressing challenge is to achieve efficient and scalable production methods so that these materials can be used on a widespread basis.
2. Security and regulation: It’s essential to ensure that nanotechnology-based materials are safe for users and the environment, so it’s necessary to develop specific regulations for the use of nanotechnology in fireproof materials.
Conclusions
Nanotechnology is revolutionizing the way we address fire safety. Nanotechnology-based fireproof materials offer greater fire resistance, are lighter and can be more ecological than their traditional counterparts. Although there are still challenges to overcome, the future of fire safety would appear to be bright thanks to these technological advances.
Implementing nanotechnology is already underway in various industries and the results so far are promising. As research and development continue, we are likely to see even more innovation in the field of nanotechnology-based fireproof materials. This will not only enhance fire safety – it will also contribute to a more sustainable environment.
Author of the text:
Miguel Gallardo López. He belongs to the Risks Engineering Department at MAPFRE Global Risks and is responsible for the Organization and Customer Service Team. He is an Industrial Technical Engineer and has more than 30 years of experience in activities related to protection and engineering within MAPFRE since his beginnings at Itsemap.
