WO2022055840A1

WO2022055840A1 - Flame retardant compositions and methods of use thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2022055840A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/049216
Authority: WO
Inventors: Britt Ann-christine LANGSELIUS
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-09-08
Filing date: 2021-09-07
Publication date: 2022-03-17
Anticipated expiration: 2023-03-08
Also published as: TW202222383A

Abstract

The present disclosure describes flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions for preventing and fighting fires in certain materials, such as solid materials.

Description

FLAME RETARDANT COMPOSITIONSAND METHODS

OF USE THEREOF

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/075,378, filed September 8, 2020, the contents of which are fully incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

There are two general methods of reducing the potential damage from the burning of combustible materials: preventive treatment and active firefighting. Preventive treatment with a flame retardant may reduce the flammability of a material. Once a material begins to bum, the fire may be extinguished with an appropriate mix of flame retardants and fire extinguishing agents in liquid, solid, or gaseous form. The use of flame retardants not only reduces the risk of a fire starting but also hinders its propagation. This increases the available time to escape from the damage and thus protects humans, property, and the environment.

An ideal flame retardant or fire extinguishing agent will have the following properties: (1) it will significantly reduce the flammability of the materials to which it is applied; (2) it will significantly reduce the risk of re-ignition after a material to which it is applied is exposed to fire conditions; (3) it will be non-toxic to humans, animals, and plants; (4) it will be biodegradable or at least not harmful to the environment; (5) it will not cause the release of toxic or corrosive substances under extreme fire conditions; (6) it will not migrate from the materials to which it is applied via evaporation or other forms of release; (7) it will not negatively affect the recyclability of materials to which it is applied; and (8) its production, processing, application, and disposal or recycling will not cause significant environmental harms; and (9) acts as a heat reducer.

Numerous flame retarding and fire extinguishing agents are available for reducing the risk of fire and active firefighting. However, each of the available agents for retarding and fighting fires has shortcomings.

Currently available flame retardants present several shortcomings: (1) most currently available flame retardants are designed for indoor use only; (2) many currently available flame retardants have a limited effective lifetime and require repetition of the impregnation process at regular intervals to successfully protect materials from fire; and (3) many currently available flame retardants are toxic or create significant risks of shortterm or long-term environmental harm and (4) many current flame retardants have very low shelflife once preblended into a ready-to-use mix.

Numerous efforts have been made to overcome one or more of these shortcomings. These efforts have resulted in flame retardant products such as DRICON® (Lonza, Atlanta, GA), NON-COM™ (Silva Timber Products, London, UK), HolzProf, (A. Apostolides & Sons Ltd., Nicosia, Cyprus) Apyrum (Deflama AB, Karlshamn, Sweden), TIMINOX™ (paint, Crown Trade, Lancashire, UK), MAGMA FIRESTOP® (Magma Industries B.V., Heijningen, the Netherlands), Firestop, and FIRETARD 120™ (Aspect 360, Glebe, Australia). Other efforts include the development of a water-based flame retardant for clothing derived from non-toxic ingredients such as clays and chitosan. However, these products are all limited by the types of materials to which they can be applied and/or the conditions under which materials must be treated. Further, all of the foregoing products are flame retardants and are not useful as fire extinguishing agents.

Currently available fire extinguishing agents present several shortcomings: (1) secondary damage caused by use of the fire extinguishing agent; (2) re-ignition risks; (3) short-term or long-term toxicity and environmental damage; and (4) lack of general utility based on limitation to use for specific types of fires; (5) they are not dual use, i.e., they cannot both prevent and extinguish fires; (6) they do not offer a significant cooling effect; and (5) there are limitations on shelf life when pre-blended.

Water is the most common fire extinguishing agent. It is safe for the environment but does have limitations and shortcomings in its use as a fire extinguishing agent. Water is usually required in large amounts to effectively fight large fires. It rapidly evaporates, and thus only a small portion of the total amount of water sprayed on a fire is utilized to actually extinguish the fire. In addition, when using water to extinguish fire, areas where fire has been extinguished are easily re-ignited. Moreover, the amount of water used to fight a fire often causes secondary water damage, leading to significant restoration costs related to this damage. When fighting fires in enclosed spaces, the risk of vapor explosion due to the presence of high temperature steam is significant. Use of water in firefighting may result in contamination of large amounts of water with pollutants, which will then be spread into the environment. Water also cannot be used to fight fires in many chemical products such as oil, gasoline, ethanol, and many other common flammable chemicals, mixtures, and solutions. Water can also carry bum embers and soot into ground water, contaminating it.

Carbon dioxide is an effective fire extinguishing agent for certain types of fires. It does not leave any residue and is relatively inert. However, toxic concentrations of carbon dioxide are generally required to fight large fires. In addition, carbon dioxide dissipates rapidly and thus it is not an effective agent for smoldering fires or preventing re-ignition. It can also damage certain electronics.

Various foams and powders also are used to fight fires. However, these foams and powders are often toxic, generate toxic byproducts, or are otherwise harmful to the environment, and carry major clean up needs and cost Non-toxic alternatives generally are restricted in their uses, have a limited lifespan, or present other shortcomings. The use of foams and powders often requires expensive clean-up operations after completing the firefighting. The foam or powder often must be applied so as to achieve full coverage of the ignited materials to effectively extinguish the fire. Many foams and powders are limited to use for fighting only specific types of fires. Moreover, because fire extinguishing foams and powders are generally non-adhesive to many materials, the foam or powder may be blown off the previously covered material by wind, leading to reignition.

Preventing re-ignition of extinguished surfaces will reduce the response times when a fire occurs, reduce risks to firefighters, increase opportunities to save lives endangered by fire, and increase opportunities to protect property at risk for damage or destruction by fire. Thus there remains a need for flame retarding and fire extinguishing agents that bind to a wide variety of surfaces so that extinguished surfaces cannot reignite during firefighting, as well as products that can be stored in a ready-to-use format over a much longer period of time. Moreover, to reduce the environmental impact of firefighting, there also remains a need for environmentally safe, effective flame retarding and fire extinguishing products which can be used to prevent and fight a variety of types of fires in solid materials while offering a significant cooling effect.

SUMMARY

In certain aspects, the present disclosure provides flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions for preventing and fighting fires. In some embodiments, the flame compositions of the present disclosure comprise: a surfactant; an inorganic salt; an organic acid; and water.

In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a preservative. In some embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein have one or more of the following properties: biodegradable in a natural environment, readily cleaned off equipment and materials to which it has been applied using water.

In certain aspects, the present disclosure provides methods of preparing the flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions disclosed herein are also provided.

In certain aspects, the present disclosure provides methods for using the presently disclosed compositions as a flame retardant to prevent fires. In certain aspects, the present disclosure provides methods for using the presently disclosed compositions in active firefighting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions for preventing and fighting fires in certain materials (e.g., solid materials). The disclosed compositions comprise water, one or more flame retardants, one or more stabilizers, and one or more preservatives. In some embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein further comprise one or more thickeners, one or more binders, one or more fining agents, one or more firming agents, one or more water retention agents, one or more water-soluble fluoropolymers or other water-soluble polymers with similar properties, one or more detergents, and/or one or more surfactants.

Non-toxic as used herein means that the environmental release of known toxic substances from the use of disclosed compositions is below the safe limits established by the appropriate regulatory agency that are in effect as of the filing date of the present patent application.

In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are used as a flame retardant to prevent fires. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are applied to a material to render the material fire-resistant. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are applied to a material by painting the surface of the material with the disclosed compositions to render the material fire-resistant. In other some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are applied to a material by spraying the surface of the material with the disclosed compositions to render the material fire-resistant, in addition to application by dipping, spraying with fire hose, and by airdrop. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions adhere to solid materials. In some embodiments, the solid material includes, but is not limited to, wood, paper, textile, cellulose board, concrete, plastic, glass, metal, or another material for which fire resistance is desirable. In some embodiments, a material treated with the disclosed compositions is highly fire resistant, meaning the material will be very difficult ignite when it is exposed to an ignition source. In some embodiments, a material treated with the disclosed compositions is effectively fireproof, meaning the material will not ignite when it is exposed to an ignition source even at the highest temperatures found in most typical fires. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are used in indoor and outdoor applications.

In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are used in active firefighting. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are used to extinguish active fires by applying it to a material affected by fire. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are sprayed from a nozzle as an aqueous solution or suspension. In some embodiments, when the disclosed compositions are exposed to oxygen, the composition forms a very thin gel. The rate of gelation will be sufficiently rapid that the disclosed compositions will form a gel upon contacting an ignited material but will not be so rapid that it will inhibit spraying of the disclosed compositions in liquid form. In some embodiments, upon gelling, the disclosed compositions prevent ignition or re-ignition of the solid material. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions adhere to solid materials. In some embodiments, the solid material includes, but is not limited to, wood, paper, textile, cellulose board, concrete, plastic, glass, metal, and another material. In some embodiments, the adhered product forms a layer of protection against ignition or reignition of the material and thus is effective in limiting the spread of a fire to adjoining areas.

In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are sprayed on an active fire using a nozzle. In some embodiments, the distance from the nozzle to the burning material will be greater than the typical distance between a nozzle used to apply foam onto a fire and the burning material. This will allow firefighters to maintain a greater distance from burning material than the distance that would be possible when foam is used to fight a fire. The increased distance will increase safety for the firefighters. It will also allow firefighting to extend further into the affected area. It also allows for preventative work by spraying and creating fire gates for controlled bums as well as in preparation for a wildfire, spraying and or painting of fences, decks, roofs and the like instead of using large amounts of water to cool down in a case of a fire.

In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions penetrate slightly into a material to which it is applied.

In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are stable under ordinary conditions for long-term storage. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are mold and fungus resistant.

In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions provide cooling effects to reduce the temperature of materials affected by fire. In some embodiments, cooling effects are provided by increased heat absorption capacity of materials treated with the disclosed compositions in material such as gypsum where both the paper can be coated and/or the gypsum itself can have the flame retardant mixed into the gypsum. In some embodiments, cooling effects are provided by absorption or trapping of hot flammable gases. In some embodiments, cooling effects are provided by preventing flammable gases from contacting oxygen. In some embodiments, cooling effects are provided by rapidly extinguishing an active fire.

In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are used to extinguish fires in buildings and other fixed structures, including but not limited to, bridges, vehicles, boats, ships, trains, planes, or other solid objects or surfaces. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are used to extinguish a gasoline fire where the gasoline spills onto a roadway or other solid surface. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are used to fight forest fires or other wildfires. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are used to create fire breaks when fighting forest fires by utilizing its flame retardant properties such that excavation or tree removal is not required.

In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are used in small firefighting equipment such as handheld fire extinguishers and small firefighting equipment for fire trucks. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are used in light and heavy ground-based firefighting equipment. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are used in aerial firefighting equipment such as equipment used by firefighting helicopters and aircraft. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are biodegradable in a natural environment.

In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are an aqueous solution or suspension. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions provide excellent fire prevention or firefighting properties when distributed as a mist to minimize the amount of product used. In some embodiments, a reduced amount of product needed for firefighting reduces storage and transportation needs for a firefighting operation. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions is readily cleaned off equipment, tools, and materials to which it has been applied using water. These features may render the disclosed compositions safe for the environment as compared to other commonly used fire prevention and firefighting products.

In some embodiments, use of the disclosed compositions reduces the costs of extinguishing fires and post-fire remediation and restoration. In some embodiments, use of the disclosed compositions results in less property damage than if water is used to extinguish fires, such as when water is used to extinguish fires in buildings or other structures. In some embodiments, use of the disclosed compositions results in reduced cleanup efforts required than if fire extinguishing powders and foams are used. Moreover, in some embodiments, by significantly reducing the risk of re-ignition, use of the disclosed compositions reduces the number of personnel and amount of firefighting materials and supplies required to ensure an extinguished fire remains extinguished.

For example, when a wildfire has been extinguished with water, the fire will often flare up again as soon as the ground is dry. To prevent such flare-ups, the extinguishing work after a major wildfire that has been extinguished with water is both costly and time consuming, as it requires access to personnel and firefighting materials and supplies for a prolonged period. By dramatically reducing the risk of re-ignition, use of the disclosed compositions to extinguish a forest fire significantly reduces the number of personnel and amount of firefighting materials and supplies required to ensure the extinguished fire remains extinguished.

Moreover, preventing re-ignition of an extinguished fire will allow rescue personnel to enter an area affected by fire more quickly, as danger to the rescue personnel will be greatly reduced. This increases the opportunities to save the lives of individuals who may have otherwise perished in the fire. The compositions of the present disclosure may also be used to create fire barriers in the forest that can persist for an extended period of time in the outdoors, such as 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 1 month, or 2 months. Compared to digging fire barriers throughout the forest, this is less invasive and saves time and money.

Flame Retardant and Fire Extinguishing. Compositions

In certain aspects, provided herein are compositions comprising water and an inorganic salt. In some embodiments, the compositions comprise water and one or more ammonium salts. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are free of sources of brominated heavy metals and other heavy metals. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions are free of alkyl phosphates and bromides.

In some embodiments, provided herein are compositions comprising: a surfactant; an inorganic salt; an organic acid; and water.

In some embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein are flame retardant and fire extinguishing.

In some embodiments, the surfactant comprises a hydrophilic group and a hydrophobic group. In some embodiments, the surfactant is selected from an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, and a zwitterionic surfactant.

In some embodiments, the surfactant comprises an anionic surfactant. An anionic surfactant comprises a negatively charged hydrophilic group and a hydrophobic group. In some embodiments, the anionic surfactant comprises an alkylbenzene sulfonate, an alkyl sulfate, an alkyl ether sulfate, or a soap. In some embodiments, the surfactant comprises an anionic surfactant such as ammonium dodecyl sulfate, magnesium laureth sulfate, potassium lauryl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate (also referred to as sarkosyl), sodium lauryl ether sulfate (also referred to as sodium laureth sulfate), sodium lauryl sulfate (also referred to as sodium dodecyl sulfate), and sodium myristyl ether sulfate (also referred to as sodium myreth sulfate).

In some embodiments, the surfactant comprises a soap. In some embodiments, the soap comprises a salt of a fatty acid. In some embodiments, the soap is a toilet soap (when the metal ion is sodium or potassium). In some embodiments, the soap is a metallic soap (when the metal ion is magnesium, calcium, etc.). In some embodiments, the surfactant comprises a soap including, but not limited to, magnesium cocoate, magnesium laurate, magnesium linoleate, magnesium myristate, magnesium oleate, magnesium stearate, potassium cocoate, potassium laurate, potassium linoleate, potassium myristate, potassium oleate, potassium palmate, potassium stearate, sodium cocoate, sodium laurate, sodium linoleate, sodium myristate, sodium oleate, sodium palmate, and sodium stearate.

In some embodiments, the surfactant comprises a cationic surfactant. A cationic surfactant comprises a positively charged hydrophilic group and a hydrophobic group. In some embodiments, the cationic surfactant comprises an alkyl quaternary system (e.g., a quaternary alkylamine) or a quaternary ester. In some embodiments, the surfactant comprises a cationic surfactant including, but not limited to, behentrimonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride (e.g., stearalkonium chloride), benzethonium chloride, benzododecinium bromide, cetalkonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, cetrimonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, lauryl methyl gluceth-10 hydroxypropyl dimonium chloride, and octenidine dihydrochloride.

In some embodiments, the surfactant comprises a nonionic surfactant. A nonionic surfactant comprises an uncharged hydrophilic group and a hydrophobic group. In some embodiments, the nonionic surfactant comprises a bile salt, a crown ether, a glycosyl dialkyl ether, a maltoside, a nonoxynol, a poloxamer, a polyglycerol alkyl ether, a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, a polysorbate, and a sorbitan ester. In some embodiments, the surfactant comprises a nonionic surfactant including, but not limited to, cetyl alcohol (also referred to as palmityl alcohol), cetylstearyl alcohol (also referred to as cetearyl alcohol), cocamide diethanolamine, cocamide monoethanolamine, decyl glucoside, decyl polyglucose, glycerol monostearate, lauryl glucoside, nonoxynol-9, octaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, oleyl alcohol, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (also referred to as polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (also referred to as polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate or polysorbate 80), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate (also referred to as polysorbate 40), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate (also referred to as polysorbate 60), polyoxyethylenesorbitan trioleate, polyoxyethylene (8) tridecyl ether (also referred to as trideceth-8), sorbitan monolaurate (also referred to as sorbitan laurate), sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan oleate, sorbitan stearate, sorbitan tristearate, and stearic acid. In some embodiments, the surfactant comprises a zwitterionic surfactant. A zwitterionic surfactant comprises a hydrophilic group comprising a positive charge and a negative charge and a hydrophobic group. In some embodiments, the zwitterionic surfactant comprises a betaine, a quaternary salt. In some embodiments, the surfactant comprises a zwitterionic surfactant including, but not limited to, betaine citrate, cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, lauramine oxide (also referred to as dodecyldimethylamine oxide or lauryldimethylamine oxide), lauryl betaine, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, stearamine oxide, stearyl betaine, and trimethyl glycine betaine.

In some embodiments, the surfactant comprises one or more of an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, and a zwitterionic surfactant. In some embodiments, the surfactant comprises sodium laureth sulfate, trideceth-8, cocamidopropyl betaine, lauramine oxide, or a mixture thereof.

In some embodiments, the surfactant comprises an anionic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the surfactant comprises sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, lauramine oxide, or a mixture thereof.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions disclosed herein comprise about 0.01% to about 15% by weight of the surfactant. In some embodiments, the concentration of the surfactant in the composition is selected from about 0.01%, about 0.02%, about 0.03%, about 0.04%, about 0.05%, about 0.06%, about 0.07%, about 0.08%, about 0.09%, about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1.1%, about 1.2%, about 1.3%, about 1.4%, about 1.5%, about 1.6%, about 1.7%, about 1.8%, about 1.9%, about 2%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, about 3%, about 3.1%, about 3.2%, about 3.3%, about 3.4%, about 3.5%, about 3.6%, about 3.7%, about 3.8%, about 3.9%, about 4%, about 4.1%, about 4.2%, about 4.3%, about 4.4%, about 4.5%, about 4.6%, about 4.7%, about 4.8%, about 4.9%, about 5%, about 5.1%, about 5.2%, about 5.3%, about 5.4%, about 5.5%, about 5.6%, about 5.7%, about 5.8%, about 5.9%, about 6%, about 6.1%, about 6.2%, about 6.3%, about 6.4%, about 6.5%, about 6.6%, about 6.7%, about 6.8%, about 6.9%, about 7%, about 7.1%, about 7.2%, about 7.3%, about 7.4%, about 7.5%, about 7.6%, about 7.7%, about 7.8%, about 7.9%, about 8%, about 8.1%, about 8.2%, about 8.3%, about 8.4%, about 8.5%, about 8.6%, about 8.7%, about 8.8%, about 8.9%, about 9%, about 9.1%, about 9.2%, about 9.3%, about 9.4%, about 9.5%, about 9.6%, about 9.7%, about 9.8%, about 9.9%, about 10%, about 10.25%, about 10.5%, about 10.75%, about 11%, about 11.25%, about 11.5%, about 11.75%, about 12%, about 12.25%, about 12.5%, about 12.75%, about 13%, about 13.25%, about 13.5%, about 13.75%, about 14%, about 14.25%, about 14.5%, about 14.75%, and about 15% by weight. In some embodiments of the compositions disclosed herein, the concentration of the surfactant in the composition is about 0.01% by weight to about 12% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the surfactant in the composition is about 0.01% by weight to about 10% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the surfactant in the composition is about 0.1% by weight to about 3% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the surfactant in the composition is about 0.5% by weight to about 8% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the surfactant in the composition is about 1% by weight to about 8% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the surfactant in the composition is about 3% by weight to about 7% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the surfactant in the composition is about 3% by weight to about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the surfactant in the composition is about 0.25% by weight to about 7% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the surfactant in the composition is about 1% by weight to about 5% by weight.

In some embodiments, the compositions comprise an inorganic salt. In some embodiments, an inorganic salt comprises one or more mineral salts. In some embodiments, the inorganic salt comprises one or more of an aluminum salt, an ammonium salt, a barium salt, a beryllium salt, a calcium salt, a cesium salt, a lithium salt, a magnesium salt, a potassium salt, a rubidium salt, a sodium salt, and a strontium salt.

In some embodiments, the inorganic salt includes, but is not limited to, aluminum phosphate monobasic, ammonium acetate, ammonium bromide, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium chloride, ammonium fluoride, ammonium hexafluorophosphate, ammonium hydrogensulfate, ammonium iodide, ammonium nitrate, ammonium phosphate monobasic (also referred to as mono-ammonium phosphate), ammonium phosphate dibasic (also referred to as diammonium phosphate), ammonium sulfamate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium sulfide, ammonium sulfite, ammonium thiosulfate, barium acetate, barium bromide, barium chloride, barium fluoride, barium iodide, barium manganite, barium nitrate, barium sulfate, barium thiosulfate, beryllium sulfate, calcium acetate, calcium bromide, calcium chloride, calcium fluoride, calcium iodate, calcium iodide, calcium nitrate, calcium perchlorate, calcium phosphate, calcium phosphate monobasic, calcium phosphate dibasic, calcium phosphate tribasic, calcium silicate, calcium silicide, calcium sulfate, cesium acetate, cesium bromide, cesium carbonate, cesium chloride, cesium fluoride, cesium nitrate, cesium triiodide, lithium acetate, lithium bromide, lithium chloride, lithium fluoride, lithium hexafluorophosphate, lithium iodide, lithium nitrate, lithium phosphate, lithium phosphate monobasic, lithium sulfate, magnesium acetate, magnesium bromide, magnesium chloride, magnesium fluoride, magnesium iodide, magnesium nitrate, magnesium phosphate, magnesium phosphate tribasic, magnesium sulfate, magnesium trisilicate, potassium acetate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium bromate, potassium bromide, potassium chlorate, potassium chloride, potassium disulfate, potassium disulfite, potassium hexafluorophosphate, potassium iodate, potassium iodide, potassium nitrate, potassium nitrite, potassium phosphate monobasic, potassium phosphate dibasic, potassium phosphate tribasic, potassium sulfate, potassium sulfite, potassium thioacetate, potassium thiosulfate, rubidium bromide, rubidium chloride, rubidium fluoride, rubidium iodide, rubidium nitrate, rubidium sulfate, sodium acetate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium bisulfite, sodium bromate, sodium bromide, sodium chlorate, sodium chloride, sodium chloracetate, sodium chlorodifluoroacetate, sodium dichloroacetate, sodium fluoride, sodium hexafluorophosphate, sodium hydrogen sulfate, sodium hydrosulfide, sodium hydrosulfite, sodium iodate, sodium iodide, sodium metabisulfite, sodium metasilicate, sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite, sodium phosphate, sodium phosphate monobasic, sodium phosphate dibasic, sodium phosphate tribasic, sodium selenite, sodium selenite, sodium silicate, sodium sulfate, sodium sulfite, sodium tetraborate, sodium tetrathionate, sodium thiosulfate, sodium trichloroactetate, sodium trifluoroacetate, strontium acetate, strontium bromide, strontium chloride, strontium fluoride, strontium iodide, strontium nitrate, and a hydrate thereof.

In some embodiments, the inorganic salt comprises one or more of an ammonium salt, a calcium salt, a lithium salt, a magnesium salt, a potassium salt, and a sodium salt.

In some embodiments, the inorganic salt comprises one or more ammonium salts. In some embodiments, the inorganic salt comprises one or more ammonium salts selected from ammonium acetate, ammonium bromide, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium chloride, ammonium fluoride, ammonium hexafluorophosphate, ammonium hydrogensulfate, ammonium iodide, ammonium nitrate, ammonium phosphate monobasic (also referred to as mono-ammonium phosphate), ammonium phosphate dibasic (also referred to as diammonium phosphate), ammonium sulfamate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium sulfide, ammonium sulfite, and ammonium thiosulfate. . In some embodiments, the inorganic salt comprises one or more ammonium salts selected from ammonium acetate, ammonium bromide, ammonium chloride, ammonium fluoride, ammonium hexafluorophosphate, ammonium hydrogensulfate, ammonium iodide, ammonium nitrate, ammonium phosphate monobasic (also referred to as monoammonium phosphate), ammonium phosphate dibasic (also referred to as diammonium phosphate), ammonium sulfate, and ammonium thiosulfate. In some embodiments, the inorganic salt comprises one or more ammonium salts selected from ammonium chloride, ammonium phosphate monobasic, ammonium phosphate dibasic, ammonium sulfate, and a mixture thereof.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions comprise about 1% to about 90% by weight of the inorganic salt. In some embodiments, the total concentration of the inorganic salt in the compositions disclosed herein is selected from about 1%, about 1.5%, about 2%, about 2.5%, about 3%, about 3.5%, about 4%, about 4.5%, about 5%, about 5.5%, about 6%, about 6.5%, about 7%, about 7.5%, about 8%, about 8.5%, about 9%, about 9.5%, about 10%, about 10.5%, 11%, about 11.5%, about 12%, about 12.5%, about 13%, about 13.5%, about 14%, about 14.5%, about 15%, about 15.5%, about 16%, about 16.5%, about 17%, about 17.5%, about 18%, about 18.5%, about 19%, about 19.5%, about 20%, about 20.5%, 21%, about 21.5%, about 22%, about 22.5%, about 23%, about 23.5%, about 24%, about 24.5%, about 25%, about 25.5%, about 26%, about 26.5%, about 27%, about 27.5%, about 28%, about 28.5%, about 29%, about 29.5%, about 30%, about 30.5%, 31%, about 31.5%, about 32%, about 32.5%, about 33%, about 33.5%, about 34%, about 34.5%, about 35%, about 35.5%, about 36%, about 36.5%, about 37%, about 37.5%, about 38%, about 38.5%, about 39%, about 39.5%, about 40%, about 40.5%, 41%, about 41.5%, about 42%, about 42.5%, about 43%, about 43.5%, about 44%, about 44.5%, about 45%, about 45.5%, about 46%, about 46.5%, about 47%, about 47.5%, about 48%, about 48.5%, about 49%, about 49.5%, about 50%, about 50.5%, 51%, about 51.5%, about 52%, about 52.5%, about 53%, about 53.5%, about 54%, about 54.5%, about 55%, about 55.5%, about 56%, about 56.5%, about 57%, about 57.5%, about 58%, about 58.5%, about 59%, about 59.5%, about 60%, about 60.5%, 61%, about 61.5%, about 62%, about 62.5%, about 63%, about 63.5%, about 64%, about 64.5%, about 65%, about 65.5%, about 66%, about 66.5%, about 67%, about 67.5%, about 68%, about 68.5%, about 69%, about 69.5%, about 70%, about 70.5%, 71%, about 71.5%, about 72%, about 72.5%, about 73%, about 73.5%, about 74%, about 74.5%, about 75%, about 75.5%, about 76%, about 76.5%, about 77%, about 77.5%, about 78%, about 78.5%, about 79%, about 79.5%, about 80%, about 80.5%, 81%, about 81.5%, about 82%, about 82.5%, about 83%, about 83.5%, about 84%, about 84.5%, about 85%, about 85.5%, about 86%, about 86.5%, about 87%, about 87.5%, about 88%, about 88.5%, about 89%, about 89.5%, and about 90% by weight. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions comprise about 1% to about 75% by weight of the inorganic salt. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions comprise about 1% to about 65% by weight of the inorganic salt. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions comprise about 5% to about 55% by weight of the inorganic salt. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions comprise about 30% to about 40% by weight of the inorganic salt. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions comprise about 20% to about 30% by weight of the inorganic salt. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions comprise about 15% to about 25% by weight of the inorganic salt. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions comprise about 30% to about 50% by weight of the inorganic salt.

In some embodiments, the inorganic salt comprises about 1% to about 20% by weight ammonium chloride; about 5% to about 50% by weight ammonium phosphate monobasic; about 5% to about 50% by weight ammonium phosphate dibasic; and about 2.5% to about 40% by weight ammonium sulfate.

In some embodiments, the inorganic salt comprises: about 2.5% to about 18%, about 5.5% to about 15.5%, or about 7.5% to about 20% by weight ammonium chloride; about 10% to about 40%, about 14% to about 34%, or about 19% to about 29% by weight ammonium phosphate monobasic; about 13% to about 43%, about 17% to about 37%, or about 22% to about 32% by weight ammonium phosphate dibasic; and about 5% to about 35%, about 20% to about 30%, or about 15% to about 25% by weight ammonium sulfate.

In some embodiments, the inorganic salt comprises about 7.5% to about 20% by weight ammonium chloride; about 19% to about 29% by weight ammonium phosphate monobasic; about 22% to about 32% by weight ammonium phosphate dibasic; and about 15% to about 25% by weight ammonium sulfate.

In some embodiments, the inorganic salt comprises: about 16% by weight ammonium chloride; about 23% by weight ammonium phosphate monobasic; about 25% by weight ammonium phosphate dibasic; and about 19% by weight ammonium sulfate.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions further comprise a buffer. In some embodiments, the buffer includes, but is not limited to, phosphate, phosphate buffered saline, imidazole-HCl, 4-morpholineethanesulfonic acid (MES); bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-amino-tris(hydroxymethyl)methane (bis-Tris); N-(2- acetamido)iminodiacetic acid; N-(2-acetamido)-2 -aminoethanesulfonic acid; 1,4- piperazinediethanesulfonic acid; 3-morpholino-2 -hydroxypropanesulfonic acid (MOPSO); l,3-bis[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl-amino]propane; N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)- 2-aminoethanesufonic acid; 4-morpholinepropanesulfonic acid (MOPS); 2-[(2 -hydroxy- 1,1 -bis(hydroxymethyl)ethyl)-amino] ethanesulfonic acid; 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine- 1 -ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES); 3-( '. '-bis|2-hydroxycthyl |amino)-2- hydroxypropanesulfonic acid; 4-(N-morpholino)butane-sulfonic acid; 2-hydroxy-3- [tris(hydroxymethyl)methylamino] - 1 -propanesulfonic acid; tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane; piperazine-N,N'-bis(2 -hydroxypropanesulfonic acid); 4-(2 -hydroxy ethyl)-l -piperazinepropane-sulfonic acid; /V- [tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]glycine; diglycine; /V,/V-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-glycine, N-(2- hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N'-(4-butanesulfonic acid); N-[tris(hydroxymethyl)-methyl]-3- aminopropanesulfonic acid; N-(l, l-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-3-amino-2- hydroxypropanesulfonic acid; 2-(cyclohexylamino)-ethanesulfonic acid; 3- (cyclohexylamino)-2-hydroxy- 1 -propanesulfonic acid; 2-amino-2-methyl -2 -propanol; sodium carbonate -sodium bicarbonate; 3 -(cyclohexylamino)- 1 -propanesulfonic acid; 4- (cyclohexylamino)-l -butanesulfonic acid; urea; and a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the buffer is urea.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions comprise about 0.1% to about 50% by weight of the buffer. In some embodiments, the concentration of the buffer in the compositions disclosed herein is selected from about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1.1%, about 1.2%, about 1.3%, about 1.4%, about 1.5%, about

I.6%, about 1.7%, about 1.8%, about 1.9%, about 2%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, about 3%, about 3.1%, about 3.2%, about 3.3%, about 3.4%, about 3.5%, about 3.6%, about 3.7%, about 3.8%, about 3.9%, about 4%, about 4.1%, about 4.2%, about 4.3%, about 4.4%, about 4.5%, about 4.6%, about 4.7%, about 4.8%, about 4.9%, about 5%, about 5.1%, about 5.2%, about 5.3%, about 5.4%, about 5.5%, about 5.6%, about 5.7%, about 5.8%, about 5.9%, about 6%, about 6.1%, about 6.2%, about 6.3%, about 6.4%, about 6.5%, about 6.6%, about 6.7%, about 6.8%, about 6.9%, about 7%, about 7.1%, about 7.2%, about 7.3%, about 7.4%, about 7.5%, about 7.6%, about 7.7%, about 7.8%, about 7.9%, about 8%, about 8.1%, about 8.2%, about 8.3%, about 8.4%, about 8.5%, about 8.6%, about 8.7%, about 8.8%, about 8.9%, about 9%, about 9.1%, about 9.2%, about 9.3%, about 9.4%, about 9.5%, about 9.6%, about 9.7%, about 9.8%, about 9.9%, about 10%, about 10.25%, about 10.5%, about 10.75%, about 11%, about 11.25%, about

I I.5%, about 11.75%, about 12%, about 12.25%, about 12.5%, about 12.75%, about 13%, about 13.25%, about 13.5%, about 13.75%, about 14%, about 14.25%, about 14.5%, about 14.75%, about 15%, about 15.5%, about 16%, about 16.5%, about 17%, about 17.5%, about 18%, about 18.5%, about 19%, about 19.5%, about 20%, about 20.5%, 21%, about 21.5%, about 22%, about 22.5%, about 23%, about 23.5%, about 24%, about 24.5%, about 25%, about 25.5%, about 26%, about 26.5%, about 27%, about 27.5%, about 28%, about 28.5%, about 29%, about 29.5%, about 30%, about 30.5%, 31%, about 31.5%, about 32%, about 32.5%, about 33%, about 33.5%, about 34%, about 34.5%, about 35%, about 35.5%, about 36%, about 36.5%, about 37%, about 37.5%, about 38%, about 38.5%, about 39%, about 39.5%, about 40%, about 40.5%, 41%, about 41.5%, about 42%, about 42.5%, about 43%, about 43.5%, about 44%, about 44.5%, about 45%, about 45.5%, about 46%, about 46.5%, about 47%, about 47.5%, about 48%, about 48.5%, about 49%, about 49.5%, about 50%, In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions comprise about 1% to about 75% by weight of the buffer. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions comprise about 0.1% to about 30% by weight of the buffer. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions comprise about 0.1% to about 15% by weight of the buffer. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions comprise about 10% to about 40% by weight of the buffer. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions comprise about 15% to about 25% by weight of the buffer. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions comprise about 17% by weight of the buffer.

In some embodiments of the compositions disclosed herein, the pH of the flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions is about 5 to about 11. In some embodiments of the compositions disclosed herein, the pH is selected from about 5.0, about 5.1, about 5.2, about 5.3, about 5.4, about 5.5, about 5.6, about 5.7, about 5.8, about 5.9, about 6.0, about 6.1, about 6.2, about 6.3, about 6.4, about 6.5, about 6.6, about 6.7, about 6.8, about 6.9, about 7.0, about 7.1, about 7.2, about 7.3, about 7.4, about 7.5, about 7.6, about 7.7, about 7.8, about 7.9, about 8.0, about 8.1, about 8.2, about 8.3, about 8.4, about 8.5, about 8.6, about 8.7, about 8.8, about 8.9, about 9.0, about 9.1, about 9.2, about 9.3, about 9.4, about 9.5, about 9.6, about 9.7, about 9.8, about 9.9, about 10.0, about 10.1, about 10.2, about 10.3, about 10.4, about 10.5, about 10.6, about 10.7, about 10.8, about 10.9, and about 11. In some embodiments, the pH is about 5.5 to about 10. In some embodiments, the pH is about 6 to about 9.5. In some embodiments, the pH is about 7.5 to about 8. The pH is customized for the need of the use case.

In some embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein further comprise a silica. In some embodiments, the silica comprises greater than about 90% silicon dioxide. In some embodiments, the silica comprises greater than about 95% silicon dioxide. In some embodiments, the silica comprises about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, about 99.5%, silicon dioxide.

In some embodiments, the silica is a fumed silica. In some embodiments, the fumed silica is untreated. In some embodiments, the fumed silica is hydrophilic.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions disclosed herein comprise about 0.001% to about 5% by weight of the silica. In some embodiments, the concentration of the silica in the composition is selected from about 0.001%, about 0.002%, about 0.003%, about 0.004%, about 0.005%, about 0.006%, about 0.007%, about 0.008%, about 0.009%, about 0.01%, about 0.011%, about 0.012%, about 0.013%, about 0.014%, about 0.015%, about 0.016%, about 0.017%, about 0.018%, about 0.019%, about 0.02%, about 0.025%, about 0.03%, about 0.035%, about 0.04%, about 0.045%, about 0.05%, about 0.055%, about 0.06%, about 0.065%, about 0.07%, about 0.075%, about 0.08%, about 0.085%, about 0.09%, about 0.095%, about 0.1%, about 0.15%, about 0.2%, about 0.25%, about 0.3%, about 0.35%, about 0.4%, about 0.45%, about 0.5%, about 0.55%, about 0.6%, about 0.65%, about 0.7%, about 0.75%, about 0.8%, about 0.85%, about 0.9%, about 0.95%, about 1%, about 1.1%, about 1.2%, about 1.3%, about 1.4%, about 1.5%, about 1.6%, about 1.7%, about 1.8%, about 1.9%, about 2%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, about 3%, about 3.1%, about 3.2%, about 3.3%, about 3.4%, about 3.5%, about 3.6%, about 3.7%, about 3.8%, about 3.9%, about 4%, about 4.1%, about 4.2%, about 4.3%, about 4.4%, about 4.5%, about 4.6%, about 4.7%, about 4.8%, about 4.9%, and about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions comprise about 0.01% to about 2% by weight of silica. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions comprise about 0.1% to about 2% by weight of silica. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions comprise about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of silica. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions comprise about 0.5% to about 1% by weight of silica.

In some embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein comprise an inorganic salt, a buffer, and a silica. In some embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein comprise an ammonium salt, a buffer, and a fumed silica. In some embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein comprise one or more ammonium salts, urea, and a fumed silica in a blend. In some embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein comprise the blend comprising one or more ammonium salts from about 50% to about 95% by weight, about 60% to about 90% by weight, or about 75% to about 85% by weight; urea from about 5% to about 50% by weight, about 10% to about 40% by weight, or about 15% to about 25% by weight; and fumed silica from about 0.05% to about 5% by weight, about 0.1% to about 2% by weight, or about 0.5% to about 1% by weight.

In some embodiments, the organic acid includes, but is not limited to, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, benzene sulfonic acid, benzoic acid, bromoacetic acid, bromochloroacetic acid, chloroacetic acid, citric acid, dibromoacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, difluoroacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), folic acid, formic acid, fumaric acid, glycolic acid, iodoacetic acid, lactic acid, maleic acid, malonic acid, methane sulfonic acid, oxalic acid, peracetic acid, phthalicacid, propionic acid, salicylic acid, sorbic acid, suberic acid, succinic acid, sulfamic acid, sulfanilic acid, 5 -sulfosalicylic acid, tannic acid, tartaric acid, thioacetic acid, thioglycolic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, tribromoacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, trifluoromethane sulfonic acid, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the organic acid comprises acetic acid, ascorbic acid, bromoacetic acid, bromochloroacetic acid, chloroacetic acid, dibromoacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, difluoroacetic acid, iodoacetic acid, tribromoacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the organic acid comprises acetic acid.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions disclosed herein comprise about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the organic acid. In some embodiments, the concentration of the organic acid in the composition is selected from about 0.01%, about 0.015%, about 0.02%, about 0.025%, about 0.03%, about 0.035%, about 0.04%, about 0.045%, about 0.05%, about 0.055%, about 0.06%, about 0.065%, about 0.07%, about 0.075%, about 0.08%, about 0.085%, about 0.09%, about 0.095%, about 0.1%, about 0.15%, about 0.2%, about 0.25%, about 0.3%, about 0.35%, about 0.4%, about 0.45%, about 0.5%, about 0.55%, about 0.6%, about 0.65%, about 0.7%, about 0.75%, about 0.8%, about 0.85%, about 0.9%, about 0.95%, about 1%, about 1.1%, about 1.2%, about 1.3%, about 1.4%, about 1.5%, about 1.6%, about 1.7%, about 1.8%, about 1.9%, about 2%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, about 3%, about 3.1%, about 3.2%, about 3.3%, about 3.4%, about 3.5%, about 3.6%, about 3.7%, about 3.8%, about 3.9%, about 4%, about 4.1%, about 4.2%, about 4.3%, about 4.4%, about 4.5%, about 4.6%, about 4.7%, about 4.8%, about 4.9%, about 5%, about 5.1%, about 5.2%, about 5.3%, about 5.4%, about 5.5%, about 5.6%, about 5.7%, about 5.8%, about 5.9%, about 6%, about 6.1%, about 6.2%, about 6.3%, about 6.4%, about 6.5%, about 6.6%, about 6.7%, about 6.8%, about 6.9%, about 7%, about 7.1%, about 7.2%, about 7.3%, about 7.4%, about 7.5%, about 7.6%, about 7.7%, about 7.8%, about 7.9%, about 8%, about 8.1%, about 8.2%, about 8.3%, about 8.4%, about 8.5%, about 8.6%, about 8.7%, about 8.8%, about 8.9%, about 9%, about 9.1%, about 9.2%, about 9.3%, about 9.4%, about 9.5%, about 9.6%, about 9.7%, about 9.8%, about 9.9%, and about 10% by weight. In some embodiments of the compositions disclosed herein, the concentration of the organic acid in the composition is about 0.01% by weight to about 8% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the organic acid in the composition is about 0.01% by weight to about 6% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the organic acid in the composition is about 0.25% by weight to about 4% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the organic acid in the composition is about 0.5% by weight to about 4% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the organic acid in the composition is about 0.01% by weight to about 1% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the organic acid in the composition is about 0.025% by weight to about 0.2% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the organic acid in the composition is about 0.25% to about 1.5%.

In some embodiments, the organic acid is from about 1% to about 25% of an aqueous solution. In some embodiments, the organic acid is from about 4% to about 15% of an aqueous solution. In some embodiments, the organic acid is about 10% of an aqueous solution.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions comprise about 5% to about 95% by weight of water. In some embodiments, the concentration of water in the compositions disclosed herein is selected from about 5%, about 5.5%, about 6%, about 6.5%, about 7%, about 7.5%, about 8%, about 8.5%, about 9%, about 9.5%, about 10%, about 10.5%, 11%, about 11.5%, about 12%, about 12.5%, about 13%, about 13.5%, about 14%, about 14.5%, about 15%, about 15.5%, about 16%, about 16.5%, about 17%, about 17.5%, about 18%, about 18.5%, about 19%, about 19.5%, about 20%, about 20.5%, 21%, about 21.5%, about 22%, about 22.5%, about 23%, about 23.5%, about 24%, about 24.5%, about 25%, about 25.5%, about 26%, about 26.5%, about 27%, about 27.5%, about 28%, about 28.5%, about 29%, about 29.5%, about 30%, about 30.5%, 31%, about 31.5%, about 32%, about 32.5%, about 33%, about 33.5%, about 34%, about 34.5%, about 35%, about 35.5%, about 36%, about 36.5%, about 37%, about 37.5%, about 38%, about 38.5%, about 39%, about 39.5%, about 40%, about 40.5%, 41%, about 41.5%, about 42%, about 42.5%, about 43%, about 43.5%, about 44%, about 44.5%, about 45%, about 45.5%, about 46%, about 46.5%, about 47%, about 47.5%, about 48%, about 48.5%, about 49%, about 49.5%, about 50%, about 50.5%, 51%, about 51.5%, about 52%, about 52.5%, about 53%, about 53.5%, about 54%, about 54.5%, about 55%, about 55.5%, about 56%, about 56.5%, about 57%, about 57.5%, about 58%, about 58.5%, about 59%, about 59.5%, about 60%, about 60.5%, 61%, about 61.5%, about 62%, about 62.5%, about 63%, about 63.5%, about 64%, about 64.5%, about 65%, about 65.5%, about 66%, about 66.5%, about 67%, about 67.5%, about 68%, about 68.5%, about 69%, about 69.5%, about 70%, about 70.5%, 71%, about 71.5%, about 72%, about 72.5%, about 73%, about 73.5%, about 74%, about 74.5%, about 75%, about 75.5%, about 76%, about 76.5%, about 77%, about 77.5%, about 78%, about 78.5%, about 79%, about 79.5%, about 80%, about 80.5%, 81%, about 81.5%, about 82%, about 82.5%, about 83%, about 83.5%, about 84%, about 84.5%, about 85%, about 85.5%, about 86%, about 86.5%, about 87%, about 87.5%, about 88%, about 88.5%, about 89%, about 89.5%, about 90%, about 90.5%, 91%, about 91.5%, about 92%, about 92.5%, about 93%, about 93.5%, about 94%, about 94.5%, and about 95% by weight. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions comprise about 10% to about 95% by weight of water. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions comprise about 25% to about 95% by weight of water. In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions comprise about 33.5% to about 90.5% by weight of the water.

In some embodiments of the compositions disclosed herein, the water has a pH of about 5 to about 11. In some embodiments of the compositions disclosed herein, the pH of the water is selected from about 5.0, about 5.1, about 5.2, about 5.3, about 5.4, about

5.5, about 5.6, about 5.7, about 5.8, about 5.9, about 6.0, about 6.1, about 6.2, about 6.3, about 6.4, about 6.5, about 6.6, about 6.7, about 6.8, about 6.9, about 7.0, about 7.1, about 7.2, about 7.3, about 7.4, about 7.5, about 7.6, about 7.7, about 7.8, about 7.9, about 8.0, about 8.1, about 8.2, about 8.3, about 8.4, about 8.5, about 8.6, about 8.7, about 8.8, about 8.9, about 9.0, about 9.1, about 9.2, about 9.3, about 9.4, about 9.5, about 9.6, about 9.7, about 9.8, about 9.9, about 10.0, about 10.1, about 10.2, about 10.3, about 10.4, about

10.5, about 10.6, about 10.7, about 10.8, about 10.9, and about 11. In some embodiments, the pH of the water is about 5.5 to about 10. In some embodiments, the pH of the water is about 6 to about 9.5. In some embodiments, the pH of the water is about 7.5 to about 8.

In some embodiments of the flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions disclosed herein, the weight ratio of the inorganic salt to the water is about 1 : 1 to about 1 :50. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the water to the inorganic salt is selected from about 1: 1, about 1: 1.25, about 1: 1.5, about 1: 1.75, about 1:2, about 1:2.25, about 1:2.5, about 1:2.75, about 1:3, about 1:3.25, about 1:3.5, about 1:3.75, about 1:4, about 1:4.25, about 1:4.5, about 1:4.75, about 1:5, about 1:6, about 1:7, about 1:8, about 1:9, about 1:10, about 1:11, about 1 : 12, about 1:13, about 1 : 14, about 1 : 15, about 1:16, about 1:17, about 1:18, about 1:19, about 1:20, about 1:21, about 1:22, about 1:23, about 1:24, about 1:25, about 1:26, about 1:27, about 1:28, about 1:29, about 1:30, about 1:31, about 1:32, about 1:33, about 1:34, about 1:35, about 1:36, about 1:37, about 1:38, about 1:39, about 1:40, about 1:41, about 1:42, about 1:43, about 1:44, about 1:45, about 1:46, about 1:47, about 1:48, about 1:49, and about 1:50. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the inorganic salt to the water is from about 1:1 to about 1:25. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the inorganic salt to the water is from about 1 : 1 to about 1 : 10. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the inorganic salt to the water is from about 1 : 1 to about 1:5.

In some embodiments of the flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions disclosed herein, the weight ratio of the surfactant to the organic acid is about 1 : 1 to about 1 :300. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the surfactant to the organic acid is selected from about 1:1, about 1:1.25, about 1:1.5, about 1:1.75, about 1:2, about 1:2.25, about 1:2.5, about 1:2.75, about 1:3, about 1:3.25, about 1:3.5, about 1:3.75, about 1:4, about 1:4.25, about 1:4.5, about 1:4.75, about 1:5, about 1:6, about 1:7, about 1:8, about 1:9, about 1:10, about 1:11, about 1 : 12, about 1:13, about 1 : 14, about 1:15, about 1:16, about 1:17, about 1:18, about 1:19, about 1:20, about 1:21, about 1:22, about 1:23, about 1:24, about 1:25, about 1:26, about 1:27, about 1:28, about 1:29, about 1:30, about 1:31, about 1:32, about 1:33, about 1:34, about 1:35, about 1:36, about 1:37, about 1:38, about 1:39, about 1:40, about 1:41, about 1:42, about 1:43, about 1:44, about 1:45, about 1:46, about 1:47, about 1:48, about 1:49, about 1:50, about 1:51, about 1:52, about 1:53, about 1:54, about 1:55, about 1:56, about 1:57, about 1:58, about 1:59, about 1:60, about 1:61, about 1:62, about 1:63, about 1:64, about 1:65, about 1:66, about 1:67, about 1:68, about 1:69, about 1:70, about 1:71, about 1:72, about 1:73, about 1:74, about 1:75, about 1:76, about 1:77, about 1:78, about 1:79, about 1:80, about 1:81, about 1:82, about 1:83, about 1:84, about 1:85, about 1:86, about 1:87, about 1:88, about 1:89, about 1:90, about 1:91, about 1:92, about 1:93, about 1:94, about 1:95, about 1:96, about 1:97, about 1:98, about 1:99, about 1:100, about 1:101, about 1:102, about 1:103, about 1:104, about 1:105, about 1:106, about 1:107, about 1:108, about 1:109, about 1:110, about 1:111, about 1:112, about 1:113, about 1:114, about 1:115, about 1:116, about 1:117, about 1:118, about 1:119, about 1:120, about 1:121, about 1:122, about 1:123, about 1:124, about 1:125, about 1:126, about 1:127, about 1:128, about 1:129, about 1:130, about 1:131, about 1:132, about 1:133, about 1:134, about 1:135, about 1:136, about 1:137, about 1:138, about 1:139, about 1:140, about 1:141, about 1:142, about 1:143, about 1:144, about 1:145, about 1:146, about 1:147, about 1:148, about 1:149, about 1:150, about 1:151, about 1:152, about 1:153, about 1:154, about 1:155, about 1:156, about 1:157, about 1:158, about 1:159, about 1:160, about 1:161, about 1:162, about 1:163, about 1:164, about 1:165, about 1:166, about 1:167, about 1:168, about 1:169, about 1:170, about 1:171, about 1:172, about 1:173, about 1:174, about 1:175, about 1:176, about 1:177, about 1:178, about 1:179, about 1:180, about 1:181, about 1:182, about 1:183, about 1:184, about 1:185, about 1:186, about 1:187, about 1:188, about 1:189, about 1:190, about 1:191, about 1:192, about 1:193, about 1:194, about 1:195, about 1:196, about 1:197, about 1:198, about 1:199, about 1:200, about 1:201, about 1:202, about 1:203, about 1:204, about 1:205, about 1:206, about 1:207, about 1:208, about 1:209, about 1:210, about 1:211, about 1:212, about 1:213, about 1:214, about 1:215, about 1:216, about 1:217, about 1:218, about 1:219, about 1:220, about 1:221, about 1:222, about 1:223, about 1:224, about 1:225, about 1:226, about 1:227, about 1:228, about 1:229, about 1:230, about 1:231, about 1:232, about 1:233, about 1:234, about 1:235, about 1:236, about 1:237, about 1:238, about 1:239, about 1:240, about 1:241, about 1:242, about 1:243, about 1:244, about 1:245, about 1:246, about 1:247, about 1:248, about 1:249, about 1:250, about 1:251, about 1:252, about 1:253, about 1:254, about 1:255, about 1:256, about 1:257, about 1:258, about 1:259, about 1:260, about 1:261, about 1:262, about 1:263, about 1:264, about 1:265, about 1:266, about 1:267, about 1:268, about 1:269, about 1:270, about 1:271, about 1:272, about 1:273, about 1:274, about 1:275, about 1:276, about 1:277, about 1:278, about 1:279, about 1:280, about 1:281, about 1:282, about 1:283, about 1:284, about 1:285, about 1:286, about 1:287, about 1:288, about 1:289, about 1:290, about 1:291, about 1:292, about 1:293, about 1:294, about 1:295, about 1:296, about 1:297, about 1:298, about 1:299, and about 1:300. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the surfactant to the organic acid is about 1 : 1 to about 1:250. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the surfactant to the organic acid is about 1:4 to about 1:200.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions comprise about 0.01% to about 15% by weight of a surfactant; about 1% to about 95% by weight of an inorganic salt; about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of an organic acid; and about 5% to about 95% by weight of water.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions comprise about 0.01% to about 12%, about 0.01% to about 10%, about 0.5% to about 8%, or about 3% to about 5% by weight of a surfactant; about 1% to about 75%, about 1% to about 65%, or about 5% to about 55% by weight of an inorganic salt; about 0.01% to about 8%, about 0.01% to about 6%, or about 0.5% to about 4% by weight of an organic acid; and about 10% to about 95%, about 25% to about 95%, or about 33% to about 90% by weight of water.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions comprise about 3% to about 5% by weight of a surfactant; about 5% to about 55% by weight of an inorganic salt; about 0.5% to about 4% by weight of an organic acid; and about 33.5% to about 90.5% by weight of water.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions further comprise one or more preservatives, one or more stabilizers, one or more thickeners, one or more binders, one or more fining agents, one or more firming agents, one or more water retention agents, and/or one or more water-soluble fluoropolymers or other water-soluble polymers with similar properties.

In some embodiments, the preservative retards decomposition of the disclosed compositions. In some embodiments, the stabilizer prevents the disclosed compositions from gelling or decomposing when stored in a sealed container and facilitates conversion of the disclosed compositions from a fluid into a gel upon exposure to atmospheric oxygen. In some embodiments, the binder prevents the disclosed compositions from separating into its various components. In some embodiments, the fining agent stabilizes the disclosed compositions and facilitates creation of an emulsion. In some embodiments, the thickener increases the viscosity of the disclosed compositions. In some embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein further comprise a preservative. In some embodiments, the preservative comprises an antimicrobial compound, an antioxidant, a sequestering agent, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the preservative includes, but is not limited to, an alkyl benzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, ascorbic acid, benzalkonium chloride, benzoic acid, a benzoic acid ester, a benzoate salt (e.g., sodium benzoate), a citrate salt (e.g., sodium citrate), citric acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, gallic acid, hexamine, 2-hydroxybiphenyl, an isothiazolinone (e.g., methylisothiazolinone and chloromethylisothiazolinone),nisin, pimaracin, sodium biphenyl-2-yl oxide, sodium ascorbate, sorbic acid, a sorbate salt (e.g., sodium sorbate), a sulfite (e.g., sodium metabisulfite), sulfur dioxide, a tetraalkyl ammonium chloride (e.g., dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride), tartaric acid, a tocopherol, and a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the preservative comprises sodium metabisulfite.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions disclosed herein comprise about 0.01% to about 15% by weight of the preservative. In some embodiments, the concentration of the preservative in the composition is selected from about 0.01%, about 0.02%, about 0.03%, about 0.04%, about 0.05%, about 0.06%, about 0.07%, about 0.08%, about 0.09%, about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1.1%, about 1.2%, about 1.3%, about 1.4%, about 1.5%, about 1.6%, about 1.7%, about 1.8%, about 1.9%, about 2%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, about 3%, about 3.25%, about 3.5%, about 3.75%, about 4%, about 4.25%, about 4.5%, about 4.75%, about 5%, about 5.25%, about 5.5%, about 5.75%, about 6%, about 6.25%, about 6.5%, about 6.75%, about 7%, about 7.25%, about 7.5%, about 7.75%, about 8%, about 8.25%, about 8.5%, about 8.75%, about 9%, about 9.25%, about 9.5%, about 9.75%, about 10%, about 10.25%, about 10.5%, about 10.75%, about 11%, about 11.25%, about 11.5%, about 11.75%, about 12%, about 12.25%, about 12.5%, about 12.75%, about 13%, about 13.25%, about 13.5%, about 13.75%, about 14%, about 14.25%, about 14.5%, about 14.75%, and about 15% by weight. In some embodiments of the compositions disclosed herein, the concentration of the preservative in the composition is about 0. 1% by weight to about 10% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the preservative in the composition is about 0. 1% by weight to about 8% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the preservative in the composition is about 0. 1% by weight to about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the preservative in the composition is about 0.5% by weight to about 2.5% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the preservative in the composition is about 1% by weight to about 1.8% by weight.

In some embodiments of the flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions disclosed herein, the weight ratio of the surfactant to the preservative is about 1 : 1 to about 1:25. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the surfactant to the preservative is selected from about 1: 1, about 1: 1.25, about 1: 1.5, about 1: 1.75, about 1:2, about 1:2.25, about 1:2.5, about 1 :2.75, about 1:3, about 1:3.25, about 1:3.5, about 1 :3.75, about 1:4, about 1:4.25, about 1:4.5, about 1:4.75, about 1:5, about 1:6, about 1:7, about 1:8, about 1:9, about 1: 10, about 1: 11, about 1 : 12, about 1: 13, about 1 : 14, about 1: 15, about 1: 16, about 1: 17, about 1: 18, about 1 : 19, about 1 :20, about 1:21, about 1:22, about 1:23, about 1 :24, and about 1 :25. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the surfactant to the preservative is about 1: 1 to about 1: 10. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the surfactant to the preservative is about 1: 1 to about 1:5.

In some embodiments, the firming and/or water retention agents promote sustained adhesion of the disclosed compositions to the surface of the solid material to which it is applied. In some embodiments, the water-soluble fluoropolymers or other water-soluble polymers with similar properties reduce friction, enhance penetration of the disclosed compositions into the solid material to which it is applied, improve the weatherresistance of the disclosed compositions such that it is not readily washed away by rain or other weather events, and enhance the stability of the disclosed compositions. In some embodiments, the water-soluble fluoropolymers or other water-soluble polymers with similar properties enhance the stability of the disclosed compositions by retarding the decomposition of the flame retardant.

In some embodiments, the stabilizer comprises one or more ingredients selected from an alginate, guar gum, a potassium phosphate, natural rubber, locust bean gum, tragacanth, xanthan gum, karaya gum, tara gum, gellan gum, soybean hemicellulose, pectin, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene (40) stearate, polyoxyethylene-20-sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene-20-sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene-20-sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene-20-sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene-20-sorbitan tristearate, gelatin, an ammonium phosphatide, a phosphate, a diphosphate, a polyphosphate, beta-cyclodextrin, cellulose and cellulose derivatives, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methylethyl cellulose, a fatty acid, a salt of a fatty acid, a monoglyceride, a diglyceride, a polyglycerol ester of a fatty acid, a sugar ester of a fatty acid, polyglycerol polyricinoleate, and stearyl tartrate. In some embodiments, the stabilizer comprises one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of an alginate, guar gum, xanthan gum, and a potassium phosphate. In some embodiments, the stabilizer is xanthan gum.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions disclosed herein comprise about 0% to about 10% by weight of the stabilizer. In some embodiments, the concentration of the stabilizer in the composition is selected from about 0.01%, about 0.02%, about 0.03%, about 0.04%, about 0.05%, about 0.06%, about 0.07%, about 0.08%, about 0.09%, about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1.1%, about 1.2%, about 1.3%, about 1.4%, about 1.5%, about 1.6%, about 1.7%, about 1.8%, about 1.9%, about 2%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, about 3%, about 3.25%, about 3.5%, about 3.75%, about 4%, about 4.25%, about 4.5%, about 4.75%, about 5%, about 5.25%, about 5.5%, about 5.75%, about 6%, about 6.25%, about 6.5%, about 6.75%, about 7%, about 7.25%, about 7.5%, about 7.75%, about 8%, about 8.25%, about 8.5%, about 8.75%, about 9%, about 9.25%, about 9.5%, about 9.75%, and about 10% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the stabilizer in the composition is about 0.01% by weight to about 10% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the stabilizer in the composition is about 0.01% by weight to about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the stabilizer in the composition is about 0.01% by weight to about 0.8% by weight.

In some embodiments, the disclosed compositions further comprises one or more thickeners. In some embodiments, the thickener comprises a polysaccharide or a protein.

In some embodiments, the thickener comprises a polysaccharide. In some embodiments, the thickener comprises a polysaccharide including, but not limited to, alginin, amylopectin, amylose, an arabinoxyxlan, arrowroot, cellulose, chitin, cornstarch, guar gum, katakuri starch, locust bean gum, potato starch, sago, tapioca, and xanthan gum. In some embodiments, the thickener comprises xanthan gum. In some embodiments, the thickener comprises a protein. In some embodiments, the thickener comprises a protein including, but not limited to, albumin, collagen, egg whites, gelatin, lysozyme, a mucoid protein (e.g., ovomucoid), a mucin (e.g., ovomucin, mucin 1, and mucin 2), and a transferrin. In some embodiments, the thickener comprises a protein from egg whites. In some embodiments, the protein from egg whites includes, but is not limited to, ovalbumin, ovotransferrin, ovomucoid, ovomucin, and lysozyme.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant and fire extinguishing compositions disclosed herein comprise about 0% to about 10% by weight of the thickener. In some embodiments, the concentration of the thickener in the composition is selected from about 0.01%, about 0.02%, about 0.03%, about 0.04%, about 0.05%, about 0.06%, about 0.07%, about 0.08%, about 0.09%, about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1.1%, about 1.2%, about 1.3%, about 1.4%, about 1.5%, about 1.6%, about 1.7%, about 1.8%, about 1.9%, about 2%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, about 3%, about 3.25%, about 3.5%, about 3.75%, about 4%, about 4.25%, about 4.5%, about 4.75%, about 5%, about 5.25%, about 5.5%, about 5.75%, about 6%, about 6.25%, about 6.5%, about 6.75%, about 7%, about 7.25%, about 7.5%, about 7.75%, about 8%, about 8.25%, about 8.5%, about 8.75%, about 9%, about 9.25%, about 9.5%, about 9.75%, and about 10% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the thickener in the composition is about 0.01% by weight to about 10% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the thickener in the composition is about 0.01% by weight to about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the thickener in the composition is about 0.01% by weight to about 0.8% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of the thickener in the composition is about 0% by weight to about 0.8% by weight.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant composition comprises about 0.01% to about 15% by weight of a surfactant; about 1% to about 95% by weight of an inorganic salt; about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of an organic acid; about 5% to about 95% by weight of water; about 0.01% to about 15% of a preservative; and about 0% to about 10% of a thickener.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant composition comprises about 3% to about 5% by weight of a surfactant; about 5% to about 55% by weight of an inorganic salt; about 0.5% to about 4% by weight of an organic acid; about 33.5% to about 90.5% by weight of water; about l% to about 1.8% of a preservative; and about 0% to about 0.8% of a thickener.

In some embodiments of the compositions disclosed herein, the composition further comprises one or more firming and/or water retention agents. In some embodiments, the firming agent comprises calcium propionate. In some embodiments, the water retention agent comprises one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of glycerol, massage oil, and a low viscosity oil.

In some embodiments of the compositions disclosed herein, the composition further comprises one or more water-soluble fluoropolymers or other water-soluble polymers with similar properties.

In some embodiments of the compositions disclosed herein, the composition further comprises one or more binders. In some embodiments, the binder comprises one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of polyesteral, melamine, polyurethane, processed eucheuma seaweed, gum arabic, and cassia gum.

In some embodiments of the compositions disclosed herein, the composition further comprises one or more fining agents. In some embodiments, the fining agent comprises one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of bentonite, tensides, kaolin, and silica sol. In more some embodiments, the fining agent comprises bentonite.

In some embodiments of the compositions disclosed herein, the composition further comprises a silicone (also referred to as a polysiloxane). In some embodiments, a polysiloxane is added to the compositions. In some embodiments, the polysiloxane cures upon exposure to an atmosphere comprising oxygen. After curing, the polysiloxane forms a silicone (i.e., a polymer comprising repeating units of siloxane).

In some embodiments of the flame retardant compositions disclosed herein, the composition further comprises additional water. In some embodiments, the additional water is up to about 20 volumes of the composition. In some embodiments, the additional water is up to about 10 volumes of the composition. In some embodiments, the additional water is up to about 5 volumes of the composition. In some embodiments, the additional water is about 2 volumes, about 3 volumes, about 4 volumes, about 5 volumes, about 6 volumes, about 7 volumes, about 8 volumes, about 9 volumes, about 10 volumes, about 11 volumes, about 12 volumes, about 13 volumes, about 14 volumes, about 15 volumes, about 16 volumes, about 17 volumes, about 18 volumes, about 19 volumes, or about 20 volumes of the composition.

In some embodiments of the flame retardant compositions disclosed herein, the flame retardant compositions is incorporated into an article. In some embodiments, for example, the article includes, but is not limited to, textiles, furnishings (e.g., foam, upholstery, mattresses, carpets, curtains, and fabric blinds), building and construction materials (e.g., electrical wires and cables, insulation materials, paints, wood, and thatch), and transportation products (e.g., seats, seat covers, fdlings, and bumpers). In some embodiments, the article is coated with the flame retardant compositions disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the article is a textile or a furnishing. In some embodiments, the article is selected from foam, upholstery, mattresses, carpets, curtains, and fabric blinds. In some embodiments, the carpet is used in residential, commercial, airline, or maritime settings. In some embodiments, the article is a mattress. In some embodiments, the article is a textile. In some embodiments, the textile comprises cotton, poly/cotton, polyester, or combinations thereof.

Methods of Preparation

Also provided herein are methods of preparing the flame retardant compositions of the invention as a concentrate.

In one aspect provided herein are methods of preparing any of the flame retardant compositions disclosed herein comprising forming a mixture comprising a surfactant, an inorganic salt, and water. In some embodiments, the mixture further comprises an organic acid. In some embodiments, the mixture further comprises a preservative. In some embodiments, the mixture further comprises a stabilizer. In some embodiments, the mixture further comprises a thickener. In some embodiments, the mixture further comprises a binder. In some embodiments, the mixture further comprises a fining agent. In some embodiments, the mixture further comprises a firming agent. In some embodiments, the mixture further comprises a water retention agent. In some embodiments, the mixture further comprises a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a water- soluble fluoropolymer). In some embodiments of the methods of preparing the flame retardant compositions disclosed herein, the ingredients can be added to the mixture in any order.

In some embodiments of the methods of preparing the flame retardant compositions disclosed herein, the order of addition of the ingredients to the mixture can affect a property of the mixture. In some embodiments of the methods of preparing the flame retardant compositions disclosed herein, addition of certain ingredients can affect a property of the mixture. For example, properties of the mixture that can be affected by the order of addition or addition of certain ingredients include, but are not limited to, viscosity, physical form, pH, flammability, re-ignition, toxicity, biodegradable, toxic substance release, corrosive substance release, volatility, release from materials, and environmental impact.

In some embodiments, the physical form of the flame retardant compositions disclosed herein is selected from a solid, a polymer, a powder, a gel, an aerosol, a solution, and a gas. In some embodiments, the flame retardant composition is a solid. In some embodiments, the flame retardant composition is a polymer. In some embodiments, the flame retardant composition is a powder. In some embodiments, the flame retardant composition is a gel. In some embodiments, the flame retardant composition is an aerosol. In some embodiments, the flame retardant composition is a solution. In some embodiments, the flame retardant composition is a gas.

In another aspect, provided herein are methods of preparing any of the flame retardant compositions disclosed herein comprising the steps of:

(i) forming a mixture comprising an inorganic salt and water;

(ii) adding a surfactant to the mixture resulting from step (i).

In some embodiments, the methods further comprise

(iii) adding an organic acid to the mixture resulting from step (ii).

In some embodiments, the methods of preparing the flame retardant compositions disclosed herein comprise the steps of:

(i) forming a mixture comprising an inorganic salt and water;

(ii) adding a surfactant to the mixture resulting from step (i); and

(iii) adding an organic acid to the mixture resulting from step (ii).

In some embodiments, the methods further comprise

(iv) adding a preservative to the mixture resulting from step (iii). In some embodiments, the mixture formed in step (i) further comprises a buffer. In some embodiments, the mixture formed in step (i) further comprises a silica. In some embodiments, the mixture formed in step (i) further comprises a silicone. In some embodiments, the mixture formed in step (i) further comprises a stabilizer.

In some embodiments, the mixture formed in step (i) comprises an inorganic salt, a buffer, a silica, and water. In some embodiments, the mixture formed in step (i) comprises an ammonium salt, a buffer, a silica, and water. In some embodiments, the mixture formed in step (i) comprises an ammonium salt, urea, a fumed silica, and water, which is also referred to as a blend.

In some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein comprise the steps of:

(i) forming a mixture comprising an inorganic salt and water;

(ii) adding a preservative to the mixture of step (i);

(iii) adding a surfactant to the mixture resulting from step (ii); and

(iv) adding an organic acid to the mixture resulting from step (iii).

In some embodiments, the method further comprises adding the stabilizer to the mixture of step (i).

In some embodiments, the method further comprises adding one or more additional inorganic salts to the mixture. In some embodiments, the additional inorganic salts are added to the mixture resulting from step (iv). In some embodiments, the additional inorganic salts are selected from ammonium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the additional inorganic salt is sodium bicarbonate.

In some embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, each ingredient is can be added in total, a batch, a portion, or a solution. In some embodiments, each ingredient can be added by slow addition. In some embodiments, each ingredient can be added as a solid.

In some embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, the method further comprises filtering the mixture.

In some embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, forming the mixture includes, but is not limited to, stirring, whisking, convective mixing, intensive mixing, solid suspension, and solid deagglomeration. In some embodiments, forming the mixture comprises stirring. In some embodiments, forming the mixture comprises whisking. In some embodiments, forming the mixture comprises convective mixing. In some embodiments, forming the mixture comprises solid suspension (e.g., suspending solids into a liquid). In some embodiments, forming the mixture comprises solid deagglomeration (e.g., breaking up a solid that has formed an agglomerate).

In some embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, the whole, each portion, or each step of the method is performed within a certain temperature range. In some embodiments, at least one step of the method is performed at a temperature range as specified below.

In some embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, the method is performed at a temperature greater than about 20 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature greater than about 30 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature greater than about 40 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature greater than about 50 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature greater than about 60 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature greater than about 70 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature greater than about 80 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature greater than about 90 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature greater than about 100 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature greater than about 110 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature greater than about 120 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature greater than about 130 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature greater than about 140 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature greater than about 150 °C.

In some embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, the method is performed at a temperature form about 20 °C to about 150 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature selected from about 20 °C, about 21 °C, about 22 °C, about 23 °C, about 24 °C, about 25 °C, about 26 °C, about 27 °C, about 28 °C, about 29 °C, about 30 °C, about 31 °C, about 32 °C, about 33 °C, about 34 °C, about 35 °C, about 36 °C, about 37 °C, about 38 °C, about 39 °C, about 40 °C, about 41 °C, about 42 °C, about 43 °C, about 44 °C, about 45 °C, about 46 °C, about 47 °C, about 48 °C, about 49 °C, about 50 °C, about 51 °C, about 52 °C, about 53 °C, about 54 °C, about 55 °C, about 56 °C, about 57 °C, about 58 °C, about 59 °C, about 60 °C, about 61 °C, about 62 °C, about 63 °C, about 64 °C, about 65 °C, about 66 °C, about 67 °C, about 68 °C, about 69 °C, about 70 °C, about 71 °C, about 72 °C, about 73 °C, about 74 °C, about 75 °C, about 76 °C, about 77 C, about 78 C, about 79 C, about 80 C, about 81 C, about 82 C, about 83 °C, about 84 °C, about 85 °C, about 86 °C, about 87 °C, about 88 °C, about 89 °C, about 90 °C, about 91 °C, about 92 °C, about 93 °C, about 94 °C, about 95 °C, about 96 °C, about 97 °C, about 98 °C, about 99 °C, about 100 °C, about 101 °C, about 102 °C, about 103 °C, about 104 °C, about 105 °C, about 106 °C, about 107 °C, about 108 °C, about

109 °C, about 110 °C, about 111 °C, about 112 °C, about 113 °C, about 114 °C, about

115 °C, about 116 °C, about 117 °C, about 118 °C, about 119 °C, about 120 °C, about

121 °C, about 122 °C, about 123 °C, about 124 °C, about 125 °C, about 126 °C, about

127 °C, about 128 °C, about 129 °C, about 130 °C, about 131 °C, about 132 °C, about

133 °C, about 134 °C, about 135 °C, about 136 °C, about 137 °C, about 138 °C, about

139 °C, about 140 °C, about 141 °C, about 142 °C, about 143 °C, about 144 °C, about

145 °C, about 146 °C, about 147 °C, about 148 °C, about 149 °C, and about 150 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature form about 25 °C to about

110 °C.

In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature form about 85 °C to about 110 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature form about 90 °C to about 105 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature form about 93 °C to about 100 °C.

In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature form about 45 °C to about 65 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature form about 50 °C to about 60 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature form about 53 °C to about 57 °C.

In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature form about 38 °C to about 58 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature form about 43 °C to about 53 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature form about 46 °C to about 50 °C.

In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature form about 25 °C to about 50 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature form about 30 °C to about 45 °C. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a temperature form about 35 °C to about 40 °C.

In some embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, a concentrate of the resulting flame retardant composition is formed. In some embodiments, the concentrate is up to about 20 times the final concentration for use of the composition. In some embodiments, the concentrate is up to about 10 times the final concentration. In some embodiments, the concentrate is up to about 5 times the final concentration.

In some embodiments, the concentrate is about 2 times, about 3 times, about 4 times, about 5 times, about 6 times, about 7 times, about 8 times, about 9 times, about 10 times, about 11 times, about 12 times, about 13 times, about 14 times, about 15 times, about 16 times, about 17 times, about 18 times, about 19 times, or about 20 times the final concentration.

In some embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, the method further comprises diluting the concentrate of the resulting flame retardant composition. In some embodiments, the dilution is with water.

EXEMPLIFICATION

EXAMPLE 1: PREPARATION OF READY-TO-USE SOLUTION

The following procedure provides a general method for preparing various exemplary compositions of the present disclosure. Tables 1-9 provide specific amounts of components and, in some cases, alternative components, that may be used in the preparation process according to the procedure below.

Step 1

Thickener is added to the Miraculum mineral blend (MMB) and thoroughly mixed. Water is heated to above 95 °C. Water is then added to the mixture of Miraculum mineral blend and xanthan gum while stirring with an electronic stirrer. The resulting mixture is stirred vigorously until the components dissolve completely. Self-cooling may occur during the mixing, or the temperature may be actively maintained at the desired level.

Step 2

A pre-made blend (SMS) comprising acetic acid, surfactant, and water, is added to the mixture resultant from Step 1 with stirring. The resulting mixture is stirred at approximately 50-60 °C until the surfactant dissolves completely. Self-cooling may occur during the mixing, or the temperature may be actively maintained at the desired level. Step 3

Surfactant is added to the mixture resultant from Step 2 at a temperature of 40-50 °C with stirring. The solution is then stirred until self cooled to below about 40 °C without an external cooling source. Step 4

Distilled 30% aqueous acetic acid is then added to the blend resultant from Step 3 with stirring and then the mixture is stirred until the vinegar dissolves completely. The solution is allowed to cool further without an external cooling source.

The mixture resulting from Step 4 is then allowed to cool to room temperature, preferably without an external cooling source, fdtered, and then poured into plastic containers of suitable size. Each container is sealed with an airtight cap.

Excess stirring after components are dissolved may cause undesirable excessive drop in temperature of the solution. The sequence of addition of components minimizes undesired side reactions and promotes long-term stability of the product. The solutions must be prepared approximately simultaneously due to the thickening effects caused by xanthan gum upon allowing the solution comprising xanthan gum to stand.

EXAMPLE 2: EXEMPLARY FLAME RETARDANT COMPOSITIONS

Table 1. Exemplary flame retardant composition I.

Table 2. Exemplary flame retardant composition II.

Table 3. Exemplary flame retardant composition III.

Table 4. Exemplary flame retardant composition IV.

Table 5. Exemplary flame retardant composition V.

Table 6. Exemplary flame retardant composition VI.

Table 7. Exemplary flame retardant composition VII.

Table 8. Representative Miraculum Blend

EXAMPLE 3: LABORATORY TESTING

The desired properties of an effective flame retardant sought in laboratory testing of flame retardant products include: (1) high stability during use, which would not lead to a high degree of separation of the liquid; (2) no uneven thickening, with different grades of thickening within the product upon contact with the enflamed materials; (3) no harmful chemical reactions between components that would degrade the product during storage or use; (4) stability for long-term storage; and (5) suitability for use on peripheral equipment.

All laboratory tests were conducted at about 20° C. and approximately 40-60% humidity with some additional variance for tests conducted during winter months. All test products were prepared, manufactured, and stored in a laboratory, and were stored and transported in non-transparent plastic containers.

General conclusions from laboratory testing include: (1) temperature and humidity has a significant impact on the effectiveness of the product when used outdoors and (2) small fires are extinguished more easily during winter months or low temperatures. However, small fires are still effectively extinguished in all cases using the proper products. EXAMPLE 4: LARGE SCALE TESTING

Large scale testing was conducted in conjunction with state- or nation-level authorities and institutions. The product was provided to the testing authority, the tests were conducted by the authority, and the results were obtained and controlled by said authority. Test results were often confirmed using thermal cameras and/or timing devices. General conclusions from large scale testing include: (1) temperature and humidity has a significant impact on the effectiveness of the product and (2) small and medium-sized fires are more easily extinguished than large fires.

One example of a large scale test is described below. Bales containing densely packed crushed industrial waste were tested. Four bales were protected with flame retardant before being placed in the test area. Two bales were untreated. The bales were covered by a thin plastic which would melt from exposure to high heat, and thus the crushed industrial waste was directly exposed to radiant heat during the experiment. The six bales were placed around an oblong pile of scrap wood with three bales on either side. Two bales on each side of the wood pile were treated and one was untreated. A treated wood facade was placed on one end and an untreated wood facade was placed on the other end. A nearby wall was also treated with the flame retardant product.

Fire extinguishers containing the flame retardant product and fire extinguishers containing water only were both used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the flame retardant product in extinguishing fires. The wood pile was soaked with a combustible fluid to ensure that the fire spreads across the entire surface of the wood pile simultaneously. The wood pile was then ignited, generating a fire.

Treatment of the plastic with the flame retardant product did not appear to inhibit the spread of fire to the underlying bales. Fires that were extinguished with the flame retardant product remained extinguished and did not reignite. Fires that were extinguished with water reignited upon evaporation of the water. Fires were more quickly extinguished with the flame retardant product than with water. The wall treated with flame retardant product did not ignite, despite exposure to 220° C. radiant heat and direct exposure to flames from the fire.

This test demonstrates that the flame retardant product would likely be an effective fire extinguishing agent for a fast surface fire within a confined area. EXAMPLE 5: TOXICITY STUDIES

One example of a toxicity study is provided below. A comparison study was performed between untreated plywood and plywood impregnated with the product. Toxicity measurements indicated that treating plywood with the product resulted in decreased atmospheric release of hydrochloric acid (HC1) and increased atmospheric release of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and nitrous oxide (NO) following exposure of the treated plywood to fire as compared to untreated plywood. The amount of carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and nitrous oxide release was within the limits established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a fire retardant to be considered non-toxic.

In one series of toxicity tests, three samples of Moelven Vanerply P30, a softwood plywood comprising spruce, were impregnated with the product by treating the plywood with the product for 72 hours, resulting in a concentration of the product impregnated into the plywood after treatment of 0.68 L/m², and subsequently dried. Three additional samples of Moelven Vanerply P30 were left untreated and were also subsequently dried. The tests were performed under conditions of IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 2. The amounts of various toxic gaseous byproducts released during testing were measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All U.S. patent application publications and U.S. patents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each individual publication or patent was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. In case of conflict, the application, including any definitions herein, will control.

EQUIVALENTS

While specific embodiments of the subject disclosure have been discussed, the above specification is illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of this specification and the claims below. The full scope of the disclosure should be determined by reference to the claims, along with their full scope of equivalents, and the specification, along with such variations.

Claims

We claim:

1. A flame-retardant composition comprising: a surfactant; an inorganic salt; an organic acid; and water.

2. The flame retardant composition of claim 1, wherein the surfactant comprises one or more of an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, or a zwitterionic surfactant.

3. The flame retardant composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the surfactant comprises one or more of an anionic surfactant or a zwitterionic surfactant.

4. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the surfactant comprises one or more of sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, or lauramine oxide.

5. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the surfactant comprises sodium myreth sulfate.

6. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the inorganic salt comprises one or more of an aluminum salt, an ammonium salt, a barium salt, a beryllium salt, a calcium salt, a cesium salt, a lithium salt, a magnesium salt, a potassium salt, a rubidium salt, a sodium salt, and a strontium salt.

7. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the inorganic salt comprises one or more of an ammonium salt, a calcium salt, a lithium salt, a magnesium salt, a potassium salt, and a sodium salt.

8. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the inorganic salt comprises one or more ammonium salts.

9. The flame retardant composition of claim 8, wherein the ammonium salts are selected from ammonium chloride, ammonium phosphate monobasic, ammonium phosphate dibasic, ammonium sulfate, and any combination thereof.

10. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the composition further comprises a buffer.

11. The flame retardant composition of claim 10, wherein the buffer comprises urea.

12. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the composition further comprises a silica.

13. The flame retardant composition of claim 12, wherein the silica is a fumed silica.

14. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the organic acid comprises acetic acid, ascorbic acid, bromoacetic acid, bromochloroacetic acid, chloroacetic acid, dibromoacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, difluoroacetic acid, iodoacetic acid, tribromoacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, or any combination thereof.

15. The flame retardant composition of claim 14, wherein the organic acid comprises acetic acid.

16. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the organic acid content is from about 4% to about 15% by weight of the flame retardant composition.

17. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-16, having a pH of about 5 to about 11.

18. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-16, having a pH of about

6 to about 8.

19. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the flame retardant composition comprises a total surfactant content of about 0.01% to about 15% by weight.

20. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-19 wherein the flame retardant composition comprises a total inorganic salt content of about 1% to about 95% by weight.

21. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-20, wherein the flame retardant composition comprises a total organic acid content of about 0.01% to about 10% by weight.

22. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the flame retardant composition comprises a total water content of about 5% to about 95% by weight.

23. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-22, comprising a total surfactant content of about 0.01% to about 15% by weight; a total inorganic salt content of about 1% to about 95% by weight; a total organic acid content of about 0.01% to about 10% by weight; and a total water content of about 5% to about 95% by weight.

24. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-23, comprising a surfactant content of about 1% to about 5% by weight; a total inorganic salt content of about 5% to about 50% by weight; a total organic acid content of about 0.25% to about 4% by weight; and a total water content of about 33.5% to about 90.5% by weight.

25. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-24, further comprising a preservative.

26. The flame retardant composition of claim 26, wherein the preservative comprises one or more of an antimicrobial compound, an antioxidant, or a sequestering agent, or a mixture thereof.

27. The flame retardant composition of claim 25 or 26, wherein the preservative comprises sodium metabisulfite.

28. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 25-27, wherein the flame retardant composition comprises a total preservative content of about 0.01% to about 15% by weight.

29. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 25-28, wherein the flame retardant composition comprises a total preservative content of about 1% to about 1.8% by weight.

30. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-29, further comprising a thickener.

31. The flame retardant composition of claim 30, wherein the thickener comprises a polysaccharide.

32. The flame retardant composition of claim 30 or 31, wherein the thickener comprises a xanthan gum.

33. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-32, wherein the flame retardant composition comprises a total thickener content of about 0% to about 10% by weight.

34. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-33, wherein the flame retardant composition comprises a total thickener content of about 0% to about 0.8% by weight.

35. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-34, comprising a total surfactant content of about 3% to about 5% by weight; a total inorganic salt content of about 5% to about 55% by weight; a total organic acid content of about 0.5% to about 4% by weight; a total water content of about 33.5% to about 90.5% by weight; a total preservative content of about 1% to about 1.8%; and a total thickener content of about 0% to about 0.8%.

36. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-35, wherein the weight ratio of the inorganic salt to the water is about 1 : 1 to about 1:50.

37. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-36, wherein the weight ratio of the inorganic salt to the water is about 1 : 1 to about 1:5.

38. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-37, wherein the weight ratio of the surfactant to the organic acid is about 1 : 1 to about 1 :300.

39. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-38, wherein the weight ratio of the surfactant to the organic acid is about 1:4 to about 1:200.

40. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 25-39, wherein the weight ratio of the surfactant to the preservative is about 1 : 1 to about 1:25.

41. The flame retardant composition of any one of claims 25-40, wherein the weight ratio of the surfactant to the preservative is about 1 : 1 to about 1:5.

42. A diluted flame retardant composition comprising the flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-41 and further comprising additional water.

43. The diluted flame retardant composition of claim 42, wherein the volume ratio of the additional water to the flame retardant composition is from about 1 : 1 to about 20: 1.

44. A method of preparing the flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-43, comprising forming a mixture comprising the surfactant, the inorganic salt, the organic acid, and the water.

45. The method of claim 44, comprising the steps of:

(i) forming a mixture comprising the inorganic salt and water;

(ii) adding the surfactant to the mixture resulting from step (i); and

(iii) adding the organic acid to the mixture resulting from step (ii).

46. The method of claim 45, further comprising

(iv) adding the preservative to the mixture resulting from step (iii).

47. The method of any one of claims 44-46, wherein the mixture formed in step (i) further comprises a buffer.

48. The method of any one of claims 44-47, wherein the mixture formed in step (i) further comprises a silica.

49. The method of any one of claims 44-48, wherein the mixture formed in step (i) further comprises a preservative.

50. A method of preparing the flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-43 comprising

(i) forming a mixture comprising the inorganic salt and the water;

(ii) adding the preservative to the mixture of step (i);

(iii) adding the surfactant to the mixture resulting from step (ii); and

(iv) adding the organic acid to the mixture resulting from step (iii).

51. The method of claim 50, further comprising adding one or more additional inorganic salts to at least one of the mixtures.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the one or more additional inorganic salts are added to the mixture resulting from step (iv).

53. The method of claim 51 or 52, wherein the one or more additional inorganic salts is sodium bicarbonate.

54. The method of any one of claims 44-53, further comprising filtering at least one of the mixtures.

55. The method of any one of claims 44-54, wherein the method is performed at a temperature from about 20 °C to about 150 °C.

56. The method of any one of claims 44-54, wherein at least one step of the method is performed at a temperature from about 93 °C to about 100 °C.

57. The method of any one of claims 44-54, wherein at least one step of the method is performed at a temperature from about 53 °C to about 57 °C.

58. The method of any one of claims 44-54, wherein at least one step of the method is performed at a temperature from about 46 °C to about 50 °C.

59. The method of any one of claims 44-54, wherein at least one step of the method is performed at a temperature from about 35 °C to about 40 °C.

60. The method of claim 50, further comprising diluting the flame retardant composition with water.

61. A method of inhibiting or preventing a fire in a material, comprising applying to the material the flame retardant composition of any one of claims 1-43.

62. The method of claim 61, wherein the material is a solid material.