Fire and smoke safety for trains

Already used against graffiti, UV, abrasion and ice, hybridRED from Finnester Coatings withstands up to 1000 °C for train and metro exteriors, thereby minimising traditional risks from fire and smoke in tunnels.

A hybridRED trial recently won a certification for retardation of fire and smoke. Tests were conducted by VTT Technology Centre of Finland, the premiere research and technology company in the Nordic countries. VTT is part of the European Transfeu Consortium, leading standardisation for fire safety engineering in rail transport. 

"HybridRED from Finnester Coatings Oy is the first proven coating, ready for market," Ari Hokkanen, president of Finnester Coatings Oy, said. "We are currently responding to inquiries throughout Europe, South America and India.” 

HybridRED, which combines organic and inorganic materials in a unique way, is designed for steel and aluminum substrates. No change in fire retardant properties occurred after accelerated outdoor exposure (tested according to ISO 4892-2 / 500 hours in 40°C, RH50%, 0.5 W/m2 (340 nm) weather cabinet: Atlas Ci3000+). 

Hokkanen continued: “HybridRED has the structural integrity to prolong ignition times and curtail smoke generation, which reduce the risk of fire in train or subway tunnels. This ceramifying polymeric material also protects carriages from corrosion, UV, ice, abrasion and graffiti. Smooth and gloss RAL finishes are easily applied and maintained.”