Fire-blocking chemicals promise safer buildings

Fire-blocking chemicals like Burnblock are becoming popular for enhancing the safety of buildings by preventing the spread of fire in materials like wood. These flame retardants form a protective char layer that slows down the fire's progress and hinders oxygen supply to the flames. Companies like Halt are using innovative processes to treat wood with these chemicals, providing a safer alternative to traditional, toxic flame retardants. Researchers are also exploring materials like graphene to slow the spread of fire in plastics, offering new ways to improve fire safety in construction materials.