CitroTech Inc. (NYSE AM: CITR) announced a 12-month research partnership with the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station to develop water-based polymer technologies for fire-resistant textiles.

The collaboration, which began March 1, focuses on creating wash-durable, skin-safe textile coatings that maintain flame resistance after repeated use and laundering. Initial applications target firefighting gear and industrial textiles, with potential expansion to home furnishings and consumer products.

The partnership combines CitroTech's fire-inhibitor chemistries with research led by Dr. Jaime Grunlan, a polymer science researcher at Texas A&M. The technology under development uses water-based polymers that form a protective layer on fabric, expanding when exposed to heat to create a fire shield.

"This partnership is about extending that foundation into textiles, working alongside the foremost minds in polymer science to introduce a new class of environmentally safe, fire-resistant solutions," said Andrew Hotsko, CitroTech's Chief Operating Officer.

The coatings are designed to avoid chemicals of concern, including PFAS and volatile organic compounds. CitroTech is funding dedicated research at the Texas A&M facility, including graduate-level work and advanced testing.

Dr. Grunlan noted that flame retardancy has traditionally required trade-offs between safety, durability, and practicality in textiles that undergo washing and environmental exposure.

CitroTech will sponsor the upcoming Fire and Polymer Workshop in San Diego, where researchers and industry representatives will discuss flame retardancy approaches.

The Denver-based specialty chemicals company produces fire inhibitor solutions and holds patents for fire prevention technologies used in construction materials and wildfire management applications.