A Qualitative Review of Performance Parameters of Aqueous Film Forming Foam

Abstract

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) has become a critical component within the aviation industry. However, relatively few reports address the possible causes of the poor performance of AFFF during fire conditions due to the rarity of air crashes. In this review, the factors that commonly affect the performance of AFFF during the firefighting circumstances are reviewed and discussed. This paper is based on the existing literature of AFFF and other firefighting foams, however, it is limited to the following performance parameters; foam generation devices and processes, foaming ability, mechanical stability, drainage time, critical application rates and effect of degradability. The paper further reviews and discusses the role of each parameter and how it influences the capabilities of AFFF during firefighting and thus its performance.