Innovators in fire and acoustic technologies, Firespray International of the UK has recently been busy reformulating its anti-drumming compound Mandolex to meet the customised application requirements of customers in specific industries and in geographical locations that demand particular consideration.

"Although normally spray-applied, this versatile material has recently been adapted for application by brush in confined areas and modified to facilitate speedier application in hot and humid environments," a company spokesman says. "Increasing demand for its use in tunnelling situations has spawned the development of a water-resistant grade (WRG), which is also ideal for exterior use."

He continues: "Mandolex has also recently been tested in accordance with the code of practice for fire precautions in the design and construction of passenger trains - BS 6953: annex B and has obtained a low R value enabling it to be used on all types of passenger rolling stock.

"Mandolex is specifically designed to provide an efficient means of suppressing panel vibration and as a result, vibration generated noise. As such, it has been extensively specified for use in tunnels, underground stations, lift carriages, on rain screens and passenger vehicles.

"The coating is formulated for easy application to materials commonly used in the fabrication of panelling surfaces such as primed steel, stainless steel, aluminium and vitreous enamel. It is easily applied around complex shapes and once cured, its selective grading of inorganic fillers and polymeric binders is able to absorb and disperse vibration and other sound waves through its applied layers."

Mandolex also meets the requirements of Class O fire propagation over non-combustible substrates. It is water-based and if subjected to fire exhibits little smoke or toxic fume emissions, he adds.