What are the differences between AFFFs (Aqueous Film-Forming Foams) and the F3s (Fluorine-Free Foams)?
Answer
The main differences between the Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFFs) and Fluorine-Free Foams (F3s) are chemical composition, firefighting performances and operational application methods.
AFFFs (Aqueous Film-Forming Foams) contain PFAS, that are responsible for these foams’ ability to form an aqueous film which helps to quickly suppress fires and provides higher resistance to re-ignition, even when foam has been degraded due to time or weather conditions.
F3s (Fluorine-Free Foams) have in common to be designed to be free of intentional fluorinated chemicals. Without fluor surfactants and film forming abilities, their firefighting efficiency mainly relies on the quality of the foam blanket applied in operation.
Accordingly, level of performance highly depends on the initial quality of the foam produced by nozzle, the quality of the foam blanket created by firefighters and maintaining this quality despite degradation by time, physical or weather conditions.
F3 Foam concentrate also presents various compositions, e.g. various physical properties, such as a different viscosity, that may impact quality of foam produced with firefighting equipment.
As a result, whatever the foam fire performance level, the compatibility with firefighting equipment and the training and operational tactics are more important criteria when using F3 than AFFF.