Milk-based Fireproofing Alternative

Mar-15-14 Researchers have developed a fireproofing method that features whey, a byproduct of cheese, which could offer a non-toxic alternative to asbestos.

The method, developed by a team at the Polytechnic University in Turin, takes advantage of the casein that is contained within whey. Casein contains phosphate groups, which will char quickly when set on fire and limit the range the flame is able to travel. In tests, the team coated three different fabrics in a water/casein solution, then dried them and set them on fire. The casein-treated cotton sample was only burned by 14 percent and the polyester sample by 23 percent. A cotton-polyester blend was completely consumed by the fire, but the fire was significantly slowed down.

More research needs to be done before the technique is ready for commercial use, such as developing a way to keep the casein coating from washing off and ensuring the milk-product derivative does not give off any foul odors.

Image:Casein-treated cotton, casein-treated polyester, casein-treated cotton-polyester blend.

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[POPSCI.COM]
[I&EC]

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