Material of composite railroad ties
Composite railroad ties, also known as Fiber-reinforced Foamed Urethane synthetic sleepers, are made of rigid polyurethane reinforced with continuous glass fiber through a pultrusion process. Main materials include continuous glass fiber, polyether polyol, isocyanate, and related components, providing high insulation and corrosion resistance. Resembling wooden sleepers, they combine the advantages of both wood and plastic.
Studies indicate that synthetic sleepers maintain stable physical properties after 15 years of use, with successful application in Japan for nearly 20 years. Compared to concrete turnout sleepers, composite railroad ties exhibit good flexibility, reducing vibration and noise. They can adapt to high-speed tracks without rail pads, and their specific gravity is only one-third that of concrete. Moreover, composite materials are recyclable, allowing for the creation of new recycled products by crushing and pressurizing waste.
Advantages of composite railroad ties
They are light but very strong, providing durability.
- Excellent Insulation and Corrosion Resistance
Good insulation properties and resistance to corrosion.
They absorb less water, maintaining their integrity.
- Electrical Insulation and Environmental Resilience
Better electrical insulation, resistance to UV aging, corrosion, oil, heat, and fire.
Require less maintenance for prolonged strength and dimensional accuracy.
Field processing (like fluting, drilling, etc.) is simpler compared to wood.
- High Strength for Installation
Exhibits strong spike and screw pull-out strength for new or repaired sleepers.
High resistance to fatigue, ensuring durability over time.
