Biodegradable SAP-containing pellets applicable to vegetation for fire protection and suppression

Abstract

A fire-retardant material comprises a plurality of particles, each having an SAP core surrounded by a fibrous layer to which an outer attachment layer is anchored. When applied to vegetation from an aircraft or ground vehicle, the attachment layer maintains the particle in contact with the vegetation. Concurrent or subsequent application of water hydrates the SAP, which is held proximate the vegetation and retards the fire. The SAP, fibrous layer, and/or attachment layer can be biodegradable. The fibrous layer can comprise coir. The attachment layer can comprise one or more naturally occurring plant materials, such as seed pods having an adhesive attachment feature and/or mechanical attachment features such as spikes or hooks. The disclosed fire-retardant material can be applied to mitigate an active, uncontrolled fire, or to vegetation on either side of a central region to contain an intentional fire within the central region, and thereby create a firebreak.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.