Preparation of Microcapsule Perfluorohexane and Study on Its Fire Extinguishing Performance​

Abstract As a commonly used fire extinguishing agent, perfluorohexanone has limitations such as high boiling point, poor diffusibility, and strong dependence on external driving forces, which restrict its application in complex scenarios. In this study, a perfluorohexanone microcapsule fire extinguishing agent with a gelatin-phenolic composite shell was innovatively prepared. The particle size characteristics, thermal response law, and fire extinguishing performance in semi-open spaces were systematically investigated using a laser particle size analyzer, thermogravimetric analyzer, and oil pool fire experiment. The results show that the microcapsules have a concentrated particle size range of 400–600 µm, with intact surfaces and uniform morphology; they start thermal response at approximately 75°C and decompose completely at 145°C, and the heating rate can regulate their release behavior. Compared with liquid perfluorohexanone, the microcapsules have the advantages of targeted penetration and delayed release. After fire extinguishing, the shells deposit on the oil surface to form a physical barrier, which effectively inhibits fuel volatilization and delays re-ignition, providing a new technical solution for solving fire extinguishing problems in complex scenarios.