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New Fire Shield for Cars, 100 Times Lighter and Resistant to Temperatures of 1000 °C, Promises to Revolutionize Automotive Safety and Fire Protection
A new automotive shield, light as a feather and capable of withstanding temperatures above 1000 °C, has been developed by researchers from Aegis FiberTech.
The newly formed company at the University of Birmingham aims to provide greater efficiency and safety for vehicles, especially electric cars and racing automobiles. The material was designed for high-temperature environments, common around engines and exhaust systems.
Technology with Two Unique Advantages
The material developed by Aegis FiberTech features two notable differentiators. First, it transfers heat ten times more slowly than the best automotive materials currently available.
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Secondly, it is 100 times lighter than traditional ceramic fiber blankets used for fire protection.
Ceramic fiber blankets are known for their thermal and chemical resistance. However, the new protective shield surpasses these characteristics.
Its ultra-low density and precisely controlled fiber network allow for a thickness 12 times smaller compared to traditional blankets. This ensures effective insulation, even in confined spaces.
Enhanced Performance and Safety
In addition to its lightness, the material maintains its integrity at temperatures up to 1000 °C. Sam Moxon, CEO of Aegis FiberTech, highlighted that “The materials from Aegis FiberTech are so light that you can’t feel their weight.”
According to him, they offer an effective thermal barrier, reducing the weight of a fire blanket to the equivalent of a few sheets of paper.
The use of this technology can improve vehicle performance by reducing exhaust and engine temperatures. This extends the lifespan of components and protects sensitive parts from thermal damage.
Safety is also enhanced, as the material reduces the risk of fires and accidental burns, essential issues in the development of safer vehicles.
Sustainable Production Process of the Automotive Shield
The electrospinning process, developed at the University of Birmingham, is fundamental to this innovation. It works by applying an electric field that transforms polymer solutions into extremely fine nanofibers.
For the base of the material, eco-friendly bioactive glass was chosen, a type of vitroceramic biomaterial. This technique allows for precise control over the size and structure of the fibers, enabling the creation of materials with various levels of flexibility.
In addition to the lightness and thermal resistance of the protective shield, a highlighted feature of the electrospun fibers is their reusability. This becomes particularly attractive for sectors seeking sustainable solutions, such as the electric vehicle industry, construction, and aerospace.
The Aegis FiberTech website emphasized that: “The electrospun fibers are made of bioactive glass, contributing to a more eco-friendly product that can be reused. This sustainable approach aligns with modern industry demands for environmentally friendly solutions.”
International Competition
The innovation in the heat and fire protection sector is not limited to Aegis FiberTech. In 2024, the Japanese company Asahi Kasei introduced a flame-retardant fabric.
The material withstands temperatures up to 1,300 °C, keeping the opposite side below 400 °C, providing protection for electric vehicle batteries.
However, Aegis FiberTech’s research stands out for its combination of extreme level, thermal efficiency, and sustainability.
With information from Interesting Engineering.
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