Executive Summary
Empa develops flame-retardant and non-combustible materials for applications in buildings, transportation, and industry. Researcher Sabyasachi Gaan explains the differences between flame-retardant materials (organic, slow-burning) and non-combustible materials (inorganic, fireproof). Empa works on wood coatings, flame-retardant polymers, heat-resistant drones, and protective clothing for emergency responders. Development challenges arise from balancing fire safety, material functionality, environmental compatibility, and economic viability.
People
- Sabyasachi Gaan (Materials Expert, Empa Advanced Fibers)
Topics
- Fire safety and materials science
- Flame-retardant polymers and wood composites
- Sustainable materials development
- Protective equipment for emergency services
Clarus Lead
Fire safety is increasingly becoming a critical requirement in public infrastructure, transportation systems, and industrial facilities. Empa addresses this need through systematic materials research that not only slows flame propagation but also considers recyclability and environmental compatibility. The research approach demonstrates that technical solutions emerge at the intersection of safety, functionality, and sustainability – a central challenge for regulation and standardization.
Detailed Summary
Definitions and Scope of Application: Flame-retardant materials are fundamentally combustible but delay fire spread and enable evacuations. They are created through additives, impregnations, or coatings of organic materials. Non-combustible materials are inorganic (stone, cement, metal, ceramics, glass) and are considered fireproof. Both categories are required in office buildings, theaters, stadiums, hospitals, trains, aircraft, and in protective clothing for firefighters and military personnel.
Empa Research Priorities: Gaan's research group develops wood coatings and flame-retardant polymers (polyurethane foams, polyester fibers, epoxy resin) for construction, transportation, and interior design. Other teams work on inorganic materials and operational equipment. Concrete projects include the FireDrone – a heat-resistant drone with polyimide aerogel insulation for high-risk areas – as well as recyclable epoxy resin for aircraft and trains (Innosuisse project with Elantas). An innovative hybrid material combines sawdust with crystalline mineral binder and watermelon enzymes for circular wood composites. Mineral sound absorbers made from gypsum or cement offer non-combustible sound insulation without toxic emissions.
Development Challenges: Every improvement in fire behavior alters other material properties – weather resistance, stiffness, or processability can be compromised. Environmental requirements (elimination of certain solvents, low impact in manufacturing and disposal) and economic viability restrict the solution space. Successful development requires precise understanding of the specific application.
Key Statements
- Flame-retardant and non-combustible materials serve different functions and are created through different manufacturing processes
- Empa develops solutions for buildings, transportation, industry, and emergency services with a focus on organic and inorganic materials
- Technical, ecological, and economic requirements compete; optimization requires compromises between fire safety and material functionality
Critical Questions
Evidence: What documentation exists for the long-term durability of the developed coatings and polymers under real operational conditions, and how is this validated?
Data Quality: Is the assessment of weather resistance and stiffness degradation based on standardized test procedures or proprietary company tests?
Conflicts of Interest: To what extent do industry cooperations (e.g., with Elantas) influence the prioritization of materials, and how is research independence ensured?
Causality: Is it explicitly demonstrated that the delay in flame propagation actually leads to measurable improvements in evacuation times?
Alternatives: Are non-chemical approaches (e.g., structural design solutions) researched in parallel with additive-based solutions?
Feasibility: What regulatory or cost barriers currently prevent market introduction of Empa materials, and how realistic is commercialization?
Side Effects: What environmental consequences result from the disposal or recycling of these materials at the end of their service life?
Scalability: Can the manufacturing processes (e.g., watermelon enzymes) be economically produced on an industrial scale?
Source Directory
Primary Source: Fire Safety Research: Materials that Defy Fire – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/tZ4qEOj581LN-Bo4cZVIv
Supplementary Sources:
- Empa Advanced Fibers – https://www.empa.ch/web/s402
- FireDrone Spin-off – https://www.empa.ch/web/s604/firedrone-spin-off
- Flame-Retardant Epoxy Resin – https://www.empa.ch/web/s604/flamm-hemmendes-epoxidharz-nachhaltiger-machen
- Flame-Retardant Wood Composites – https://www.empa.ch/web/s604/schwer-entflammbare-holzwerkstoffe
- Sound Insulation in Outdoor Areas – https://www.empa.ch/web/s604/schalldaemmung-im-aussenbereich
- Protective Clothing for Emergency Services – https://www.empa.ch/web/heat
Verification Status: ✓ 26.03.2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 26.03.2026