A group of researchers of Lviv Polytechnic National University, led by Serhii Varvarenko, Professor of the Department of Organic Chemistry, the Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, developed an innovative polymer-mineral composite material (special hydrogel), which can be used to fill the insulated glazing of fire resistant glass structures. Approbation of this innovative development takes place within the framework of the project «Development of hydrogel composition for insulating fire resistant glass and its manufacturing technology». The project is financed by the National Research Foundation of Ukraine and is implemented at Lviv Polytechnic.
Scientists are now working on studying the regularities of chemical and physicochemical processes that occur during the preparation of a hydrogel composition and make it possible to form a transparent mineral-polymer hydrogel that will retain stable properties under different temperature regimes of operation of the insulating glass. Under the influence of high temperatures, the layer of hydrogel will turn into a mineral-carbon fire retardant xerogel, which will become an effective obstacle in the way of the spread of fire, smoke and thermal radiation to larger areas or to other rooms and will make it possible to significantly reduce the damage caused.
The introduction of such hydrogel compositions in fire-resistant double-glazed windows will help speed up the production of fire-resistant structures that will fully meet the demands of the real estate market for the provision of quality construction services that meet all fire safety regulations and standards. At the same time, this will contribute to the emergence of a competitive domestic manufacturer of insulating fire resistant glass for fire resistant glass structures, the cost of which is lower than foreign analogues, and the quality of products meets all global standards of fire protection and fire resistance. This, in turn, will make it possible to increase their availability and widespread use not only in critical infrastructure, health care and education facilities, but also in industrial and recreational facilities, in shopping and office centers, new residential complexes and cottages for the purpose of preserving human life and protecting property from the destructive effects of fires.
Ukraine will face the inevitable processes of recovery and reconstruction. Each of us already needs to prepare for participation in new large-scale infrastructure projects, which will undoubtedly be economically profitable, climatically sustainable and focused on the protection of the population and safe operation. These challenges are also faced by scientists who work on improving existing and creating new innovative developments in various fields of activity.
The implementation of innovative developments is not only an indicator of economic growth, but also the identification of scientific potential and confirmation of the country’s readiness for a stable innovative future. Innovative projects affect all areas of business, creating new opportunities and raising the competitiveness of our country on the world market. The existence of such developments is the evidence of openness and readiness for changes, which will make Ukraine a real center of innovation in Central and Eastern Europe.
The publication was prepared as part of the project implementation «Development of hydrogel composition for insulating fire resistant glass and its manufacturing technology» which is financed by the National Research Foundation of Ukraine.
