Oklahoma State University’s Dr. Ruiqing Shen is developing advanced hydrogel technology aimed at improving firefighting methods. Supported by a National Science Foundation EPSCoR Research Fellows award, the research focuses on enhancing response capabilities for challenging fire scenarios, including wildland fires and lithium-ion battery fires.
Shen, an assistant professor of fire protection and safety engineering technology at Oklahoma State University, is developing a water-efficient hydrogel designed to activate at high temperatures. The material is intended to improve fire suppression in scenarios where traditional water-based methods are limited, as it can remain effective on surfaces without quickly draining away.
The development of these thermoresponsive hydrogels focuses on creating firefighting solutions that use less water while remaining effective in challenging scenarios. Shen noted that lithium-ion battery fires, driven by thermal runaway, can continue generating heat even after visible flames are extinguished, making traditional water-based suppression methods insufficient. The hydrogel technology is designed to help control such fires while also addressing challenges in areas affected by water shortages or infrastructure issues, such as dry hydrants and system failures caused by power outages or damage.
The collaboration between Oklahoma State University and the University of Maryland brings together leading fire science expertise to advance the development of thermoresponsive hydrogel technology. According to OSU, the project is among the first to systematically link the material science of these hydrogels with bench-scale fire dynamics for both wildland and lithium-ion battery fire scenarios. Researchers from both universities will gain hands-on experience, combining theoretical knowledge with practical firefighting applications as the project progresses.
To support the research objectives, Shen’s team, working with Professor Sundar Madihally from the School of Chemical Engineering, will examine the interactions between fire and hydrogel in detail. By testing the material across various fire scenarios, the researchers aim to optimize hydrogel formulations and evaluate their suppression performance in controlled, real-time conditions. These efforts also contribute to expanding OSU’s research capabilities, potentially increasing opportunities for future federal and industry funding.
Students participating in the project will gain hands-on experience in battery fire behavior, wildland fire science, and thermal analysis, providing them with practical, industry-relevant skills. According to Shen, this expertise is in growing demand across fire service agencies, emergency management, renewable energy sectors, vehicle manufacturers, and research institutions.
The development of this hydrogel technology is expected to influence fire suppression strategies, offering a potential solution for communities facing heightened fire risks.
