Freudenberg makes industrial applications for heat control
July 20, 2015 - Germany
Freudenberg, Germany’s technology group has developed new, sophisticated industrial solutions to help in temperature control.
High outside temperatures provide a challenge for the construction industry. Heat and sunlight dry and harden fresh concrete too quickly, resulting in cracks and furrows. To help customers in the construction sector, Freudenberg has developed a process that enables durable roads and bridges to be constructed even in high temperatures. Construction workers lay special Freudenberg nonwovens soaked in water on top of the damp concrete and seal everything with foil. This extends the hardening process and ensures that the new roads can withstand heavy loads without cracking.
Freudenberg has also made an acoustic nonwoven, SoundTex, for use in ceilings with built-in heating or cooling systems. The cooling ceilings ensure a pleasant climate in many modern office buildings during hot weather. Water passed through highly conductive materials – such as copper – supplies the room with cool air via perforated ceiling surfaces. The 0.27-mm thin nonwoven absorbs distracting noises to create a good working environment, especially in open-plan offices, the company informs in a press release.
The company has also developed synthetic high-temperature oils that ensure the reliable lubrication of all drive, control and conveyor chains in ovens used for industrial food processing. These lubricants can function at temperatures of up to 250 degrees Celsius and are specifically approved for sensitive applications, such as food processing.
In the event of an engine fire in modern aviation, the source of the fire needs to be contained within the body of the engine. This prevents smoke from entering the cabin or the flames igniting the fuel in the wings. During an engine fire, temperatures can reach 1,100 degrees Celsius. To safely withstand the fireproof, silicone compounds are used in Freudenberg seals. If the fire does succeed in entering the cabin, special fire-resistant Freudenberg fabrics provide protection. These are used in the seats of airplanes and trains. (GK)