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One of the most powerful solutions to ensure a safe mine environment is fire retardant anti-static (FRAS) materials, which protects against all kinds of hazardous situations like fuel fires or explosions caused by heat build-up, static sparks, and other combustible substances that could seriously compromise your mine’s safety.

Materials such as rubber, polyurethane, PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene and polyester are often used to make base materials that are then manufactured into products for underground coal mining. Fibre-reinforced resin materials such as fibreglass and carbon fibre composite are also used. 

The products manufactured include ventilation sheeting (brattice) and ventilation stoppings, ventilation ducting (rigid and flexible), dust curtains, venturi blowers, air fans, pipes, conveyor belting and conveyor accessories.

Recommendations on FRAS materials

Mine operators of underground coal mines must ensure that control measures are implemented for products subject to the accumulation of static charge. The control measures should include the following:

Manufacturers of FRAS-rated materials must ensure that testing is undertaken in accordance with the relevant requirements of MDG 3608 by an independent testing facility for:

Manufacturers and suppliers of products incorporating FRAS materials as components must ensure that:

Every object is made of atoms that are typically electrically neutral. They contain an equal number of protons (positive charge) within their nucleus and electrons (negative charge) surrounding the nucleus. Static electricity occurs when there is a separation of positive and negative charges within or on the surface of a material or between materials. Electrons may move from one object to another, leaving one object with a negative charge and the other with a positive. When the objects are separated they retain the charge imbalance.

How can we help?

To minimise risks, improve occupational health and safety hazards, and, importantly, minimise underground ignitions, fire retardant anti-static (FRAS) materials are now required in all NSW underground mines, monitored by the NSW resources regulator.

Redox offers many polymer/composite options for differing FRAS application solutions. 

Contact our Plastics division today if you would like to learn more about material solutions supported by our many international principal partners. 

 

EVA Resin is an elastomeric polymer that produces rubber-like materials known for their soft and flexible properties.

It is predominantly used in numerous crucial industrial areas such as:

But the use cases don’t end there, EVA foam is extremely versatile but is taken for granted by most even though it’s found in automotive, building, marine, electronics, healthcare, product packaging, sports, leisure, and recreation products. No doubt, you own something or have used something that contains this flexible material.

For example:

Soccer Kick. Footballer Kicking Ball on Grass Pitch. Football Soccer Player Hits a Ball. Soccer Boots Close Up

EVA foam is extremely adaptable, most people take it for granted despite the fact that it’s used in a variety of items.

EVA foam is highly adaptable, and most people take it for granted despite the fact that it’s used in a variety of items.

EVA has excellent clarity and gloss and possesses low-temperature toughness; it’s vUV resistant, contains waterproof adhesive properties, is chemical-resistant, and has excellent processability.

As you can see, it’s an excellent and adaptable material.

Working with a supplier that can guarantee consistent quality is critical; Redox is in a great position to meet and exceed your expectations. Contact one of our industry specialists today.