CitroTech Inc. and the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) have announced a 12-month research partnership focused on developing next-generation water-based polymer technologies for fire-resistant textiles. The collaboration aims to solve a long-standing challenge in fire-resistant materials, creating textile coatings that are durable during repeated washing, safe for skin contact, and capable of maintaining flame resistance over time.

The initial focus of the research will be on firefighting gear and industrial textiles, where high durability and safety standards are essential. In the future, the technology could also be applied to home furnishing products and consumer textiles.

A major part of the collaboration combines CitroTech’s patented fire-inhibitor technologies with the expertise of Jaime Grunlan, a globally recognised specialist in polymer science and flame-retardant materials.

Together, CitroTech and Texas A&M researchers are working to accelerate the transition of laboratory research into practical industrial applications, especially in areas related to durability, chemical safety, and long-term performance.

The new technology under development uses water-based polymers that create a thin but durable protective layer on textile surfaces. When exposed to heat or flames, the coating expands and forms a protective barrier that helps slow fire spread and insulates the material underneath.