Fire Retardant Spray: An Alternative Fire Extinguisher that Contains Calcium Carbonate from Eggshells and Oxaloacetic Acid From Kamias (Averrhoa bilimbi)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products. There have been 1,758 fire incidents in 2018, which have injured 108 people and damaged over 1 billion pesos in property, according to the statistical record of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). The BFP said that the top three causes of fire in the Philippines are faulty electrical connections, lit cigarette butts, and open flames from unattended stoves, given the fact that most of the houses in the country are made from light materials such as wood. Statistics showed that fire protection should be employed all over the country, meaning all houses should have a good fire exit and fire extinguisher. Thus, the researcher decided to produce a fire retardant spray that can be used as an alternative fire extinguisher containing calcium carbonate from eggshells and oxaloacetic acid from kamias (Averrhoa bilimbi).

METHODS

A multiple method design was used. The formulation of the fire retardant spray consists of Seeking, Preparing, Extracting, Measuring, and Putting. The investigator sought for resources of kamias (Averrhoa bilimbi) and waste eggshells. Afterthat, the extracted kamias (Averrhoa bilimbi), and pulverized eggshells were prepared. The mixture was put in a pump hand sprayer for the testing of its effectiveness in different fire cases.RESULTSBased on the test and evaluation, the fire retardant spray was effective and efficient in extinguishing the fire from different reactants. The test showed that the product was efficient in extinguishing the combustion of alcohol, candle cloth, and wood.

DISCUSSIONS

The result of the study indicated that future researchers should try the fire retardant spray in Class C fire such as electric motor, electric wiring, etc. Future researchers should also use a metal sprayer and try to make the two materials become foamed. Additionally, they should conduct more studies on a topic related to the two materials that can be used as a fire extinguisher.