A new passive fire protection material for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries is now available in South Africa, offering a way to contain and suppress thermal runaway events without the need for active firefighting systems.
The material, developed in Germany by the Genius Group and distributed locally by PyroBrand, consists of lightweight, non-combustible glass granules that form an inert barrier around battery cells or modules. This design suppresses flames, absorbs heat and reduces the release of toxic gases during a battery fire.
“Li-ion battery fires are unlike conventional fires. They burn hotter, longer and often reignite, posing a challenge to standard firefighting methods,” says Michael van Niekerk, CEO of ASP Fire, a Gauteng-based company specialising in fire risk management.
“Independent local testing has confirmed that the material meets SANS 11820 non-combustibility standards and can adsorb over 85% of the vapours released during a thermal event with thermal stability up to 1 050°C,” says Clyde Becker, Director of PyroBrand.
The product is also used in UN-certified “Genius Boxes” – specialised containers for the storage and transportation of damaged or defective batteries. These boxes are lined internally with the granules to create a self-extinguishing environment in the event of a fire.
