Portuguese 
The Korea Railroad Research Institute Developed Thermal Blocking Fabric for Rail Tracks Installed by an Automated System, Reducing Temperature by Up to 10.9 °C and Mitigating Risks of Deformation on Tracks.
The technology, which does not use water, employs a multi-layer structure composed of a special coating, magnets, and fiberglass to adhere the fabric to the rail through magnetic force, blocking more than 85% of solar radiation.
The system eliminates operational costs and the continuous consumption associated with traditional water-spraying methods. The innovation also poses no risk of failure, offering stability and economic efficiency after installation.
Field tests were completed on the Gwangju Line in 2024 and the Jungbu Inland High-Speed Line in 2025. The trials confirmed the durability and maintenance of the material’s performance for over ten years.
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Automated Mechanism and Safety at High Speeds
The institute developed integrated equipment that performs the entire operational cycle at speeds exceeding 2 km/h. The machine cleans the rail surface, applies the fabric, and removes it after the hot period.
The modular structure of the equipment allows just two operators to handle transportation, assembly, and disassembly. This automation significantly reduces maintenance team time and costs on railways.
The magnetic attachment has been optimized to withstand winds of up to 66 m/s, which is 1.5 times faster than winds induced by high-speed trains. Dual attachment mechanisms ensure that the fabric remains secured during KTX trains passing at 300 km/h.
Recognition of Technology for Rail Tracks and Commercialization
The project received the Grand Prize for the fabric patent and the Silver Award for the automated equipment at the 2025 Seoul International Invention Exposition, held from December 3 to 6 at COEX.
The innovation obtained certification as a Excellent National Technology certification (NET No. 1594) on December 10, 2025, during the Conference for the Promotion of New Technology Commercialization.
To transfer the research to the market, the institute signed a technology transfer agreement with PITCHCABLE Co., Ltd., ensuring full commercialization of the fabric and the automated installation system.
“This technology goes beyond merely reducing rail temperatures; it presents a new paradigm for ensuring railway safety in the era of climate crisis,” stated Kang Dong-hoon, the institute’s chief researcher.
The researcher indicated plans to expand the application of the reflective fabric to other areas that require heat mitigation, such as building facades and roadside installations.
Sagong, the institute’s president, highlighted that the outcome meets public demand for safe summer travel. The executive stated that the institution aims to advance the technology to ensure safe operations and expand its reach to international markets.
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