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AFFF – Aqueous Film Forming Agent (Fire Fighting Foam)
AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) is a specialized fire-fighting foam concentrate designed primarily for Class B flammable liquid fires (fuel fires). When applied correctly through approved equipment, AFFF helps create a fast-spreading aqueous film on the fuel surface and a foam blanket that suppresses flammable vapours, supports rapid flame knockdown, and helps reduce re-ignition risk.
Fluorosurfactants (Film Formation & Ultra-Low Surface Tension)
Fluorosurfactants are the key functional ingredients historically used in AFFF because they provide very low surface tension, enabling the foam solution to spread quickly across hydrocarbon fuel surfaces and form the characteristic aqueous film. This film formation is a major reason AFFF has been widely used where fast control of fuel fires is critical.
In simple terms, fluorosurfactants help:
Compliance Note: PFAS Transition Landscape
Many fluorosurfactants used historically in AFFF fall under the broader PFAS category, and regulations are evolving globally—especially around specific substances like PFOS and broader PFAS restrictions in fire-fighting foams. For example, SOLAS shipboard requirements prohibit fire-extinguishing media containing PFOS above defined thresholds starting 1 January 2026.
Fluorosurfactants contain fluorinated chains that dramatically reduce the surface tension of water.
Because of this ultra-low surface tension, the water phase can spread rapidly instead of beading up.
Once applied, the low-tension water solution self-spreads over the fuel surface, forming a thin aqueous film beneath the foam blanket.
Result: the fuel surface is quickly sealed, limiting oxygen access and fuel vapor release.
At the same time, the foam blanket sits above the film and provides:
The aqueous film suppresses the release of flammable vapors from the fuel surface, while the foam layer maintains coverage.
Result: reduced flame intensity, improved control, and safer fire-fighting conditions.
Geocon offers wide range of Anionic, Amphoteric and Non Ionic Fluorosurfactant for AFFF applications based on C6 chemistry. For further details contact us at info@geoconproducts.com
Or call us at + 91 98202 34683