Jan 12 2015
Source: Bombardier
A team of researchers from Empa, led by Sabyasachi Gaan, have successfully developed a breakthrough coating product which is not only fireproof but is also environment friendly.
Empa has been hired by Jet Aviation, a Swiss aircraft equipment supplier, to provide fireproof coating solutions for aircraft furniture.
The new coating is capable of providing fire protection to the interiors of business jets. This innovative coating has the added advantage of quick application. Jet Aviation will therefore benefit greatly from this fireproof coating leaving all its competitors behind.
Today, customers expect business jets to have plush interiors while the aviation safety authorities expect fireproof furnishings. A jet cannot be inactive for long in the hangar while refurbishing is done since that may prove to be expensive.
Existing coatings require multiple processes to fireproof each layer of aircraft furniture. This will no longer be an issue with the new coating as it requires to be applied just once, therefore saving a lot of time and labour.
Unlike the existing coatings, which contain brominated and chlorinated chemicals, the Empa coating is environment friendly due to its heavy molecular weight feature. Additionally, the heavy molecular weight of the coating prevents evaporation of the fireproof coating, thus sparing passengers from breathing unpleasant odours when inside the jet.
The CTI jointly funded the research work, which was first started in 2012 is now completed and the technology awaits patenting. This flame retardant coating can also be adapted for use in wood-based furnishing, textiles and architectural systems.
Research lead Gaan feels that this time-saving fireproof coating can be used profitably in the production of business aircraft as well. Discussions have already begun with business jet manufacturers.
Hence creating designer furniture for the halls, flying conference rooms, and bedrooms has undergone a preliminary revolution. This technology can also be applied to household furniture, where a number of European countries demand fireproofing.