Fire-proof trains a possibility
Russian scientists have developed a flame-proof composite material suitable for use in train carriages. The material in question, mineplen, is based on glass fibre fabric infused with a mineral bonding agent, and can endure temperatures of up to 1200 C. Even at these temperatures, the material does not release toxic compounds, which are often the cause of death following an accident. In order to be resistant to fire, a material had to be made of substances that do not react with oxygen. Researchers used glass fibre fabric as an alternative to glass, which is difficult to process. The glass fibre was impregnated with molten inorganic salts, which work as binding agents. Whilst still hot, the material is moulded into the required shape. The finished material can not only act as a barrier against fire, but as thermal insulation. A 'sandwich' made of two layers of mineplen with a layer of heat-insulating material between them provides fire safety and heat insulation simultaneously. Materials similar to mineplen were initially developed in Russia for thermal protection of rockets, before researchers recognised the wider potential of the material. An obvious example would be using mineplen to cover rooms where the smallest fire could lead to disaster, such as the carriages of underground trains, boat cabins, entrance halls in public buildings or lift walls. Russian scientists believe that the recent tragedy in Kaprun, Austria, where over 150 people lost their lives when a funicular train caught fire in a mountain tunnel would not have happened had the train carriages been manufactured using non-flammable materials. Despite the obvious advantages to using mineplen, use has not been widespread in its country of origin: 'Unfortunately, mineplen has not found wide application yet', said Boris Pronin, head of the research team Kompozit. 'Sluggishness and reluctance to change old technology are the main obstacles we meet in our country. But we have to worry about safety in transport vehicles. A catastrophe such as a fire in the mountain tunnel could happen anywhere else. If we have a chance to lower the risk of accidents, we should use it until too late.' An agreement between Russia and the EU was signed on 16 November, establishing a framework for joint research activities and movement of scientists between Russia and the EU.