MUMBAI, India, May 1 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202641049573 A) filed by Gopalakrishnan Thangavel; and Vels Institute Of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, on April 18, for 'integrated pcm-based thermal absorptive mulch and biochar trench system for forest fire resistance.'
Inventor(s) include Dr. T. Gopalakrishnan; Dr. N. Anandhabhairavi; Dr. M. Ruban; Dr. T. Meera; Dr. Kumaresan Marappan; Dr. Vijayananth Suyamburajan; Dr. P. Amudha; Mrs. Benasir Begam. F; Dr. C. Gnanavel; and Dr. H. Kalaivani.
The application for the patent was published on May 1, under issue no. 18/2026.
According to the abstract released by the Intellectual Property India: "The present invention discloses a modular, passive wildfire mitigation system termed Smart Pyro-Resistant Forest Zones, designed to protect forest-adjacent communities, infrastructure, and ecologically sensitive landscapes. The invention integrates two synergistic components: a top-layer mulch mat embedded with phase change materials (PCMs) and a sub-layer biochar buffer trench. The mulch mat is fabricated from palm frond fibers infused with a eutectic PCM blend (palm stearin-lauric acid) and encapsulated within thermally stable silica aerogel microspheres. When exposed to elevated temperatures between 45 C and 60 C, the PCMs absorb radiant heat, undergoing a solid-liquid transition that passively delays surface ignition. Beneath this thermal-absorptive layer lies a trench of granular biochar derived from pyrolyzed pinewood, which acts as a non-combustible flame barrier, reducing lateral fire spread and enhancing soil carbon content post-exposure. Anchoring is achieved using biodegradable bamboo stakes, enabling low-tech or drone-based deployment in fire-prone terrains. The dual-action system demonstrates significant delay in ignition and lateral flame propagation, requiring no external energy input and degrading fully within one year. The invention is environmentally restorative, cost-effective, and scalable, offering a breakthrough in sustainable fire management strategies under the growing threat of climate-induced wildfires."
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
