Researchers from Chongqing Jiaotong University, IMDEA Materials Institute, Shanghai Qi Zhi Institute and the Universidad Francisco de Victoria in Madrid collaborated on this work. Together, they have created a novel form of multifunctional flame-retardant foam. This new material employs flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF). It has outstanding flame retardance and good antibacterial properties, serving as an ideal candidate for many fields.
Dr. Yingming Li, Chongqing Jiaotong University, China and major contributions from Prof. Dr. De-Yi Wang. Their combined expertise has created a powerful foam, which snuffs out flames and reduces dangerous run-off. This foam likewise dramatically cuts back on smoke emissions. The addition of biomass-derived organic aerogel enhances the foam performance. This process imbues the foam with specific functional properties that set it apart from conventional materials.
The as-synthesized foam displayed excellent traits such as superior mechanical performance which plays a critical role in the lasting effect and application of the works. Its antibacterial properties, especially bacteriostasis, extend its applications to places where sanitation is critical.
Published White in the Chemical Engineering Journal, the research underscores the multifaceted capabilities of the foam. The title of the paper, “Biomass-derived organic aerogels endowed flexible polyurethane foam with excellent flame retardance, smoke suppression, bacteriostasis and enhanced mechanical property,” reflects the comprehensive nature of their findings. The DOI for this important research is 10.1016/j.cej.2025.167036 and was accessed on 11 November 2025.
The implications of this research are substantial. The highly versatile foam can be utilized in multiple industries. This makes it perfect for use in construction materials, automotive interiors and medical devices, all of which require flame retardance and antibacterial properties. The foam addresses two major issues head-on: fire safety and microbial contamination. In so doing, it greatly raises the safety and health bar on other industries.