Continental Materials Boost Comfort and Functionality of Train Cars

• Intelligent Glass Control allows glazed surfaces to be controlled and adjusted
• Durable surface finish for high-traffic areas

Hanover, Berlin, September 18, 2018. Technology company Continental is developing innovative materials that will make travel even more comfortable and provide a host of practical new functions for passengers. Modern train cars already offer a high level of comfort for guests, who can choose to get ahead on work or simply relax en route to their destination. As mobility increases, so too does the amount of time people are spending traveling by rail – making these factors all the more important for the latest generation of rail travelers. At InnoTrans, Continental will unveil a number of new innovations, including an intelligent technology for darkening glass panes and a range of individual surface designs.

The “Intelligent Glass Control” (IGC) system by Continental provides passengers with the flexibility to adjust the amount of light and the color of their window or other glazed areas to suit their needs. The technology, which was originally developed for the automotive industry, relies on a film sandwiched between two panes of glass and connected to an electronic control unit (ECU). The film layer contains particles that can be distributed across an electrical field: If no voltage is present, the particles are distributed randomly and the light that falls onto the film is absorbed, reflected and distributed so that only a small portion of it penetrates through the film. If a voltage is present, the particles are arranged across the electrical field. Only a fraction of the light that lands on the film is absorbed and the film becomes transparent.

The Continental portfolio also includes an enhanced solution for train seating. The attractive skai artificial leather – which is more cost-effective than traditional leather and fabric seat materials – opens up a range of individual design options. The leather-effect covers give the seats a natural look, color and feel, for guaranteed comfort even on long journeys. Continental’s material and surface design expertise, as well as the wide range of colors on offer, mean that it can produce a solution to meet virtually any design brief. The material complies with EN 45545, satisfying the industry’s high standards for fire resistance, smoke density and smoke toxicity. It is also durable, tear-resistant, wear-resistant, light-fast and easy to clean – and can even be wiped down with disinfectant.