Perhaps everyone has noticed that there is a special color scheme in Apple's recently released 16Pro series phones - desert gold. I wonder if this color scheme can lead a new wave of trends. If we can lead a new trend, we can also take the opportunity to consider whether the black anti-corrosion sleepers can keep up with this trend and create a "desert gold anti-corrosion sleepers"?
It is necessary to first introduce this anti-corrosion sleeper with almost no other "color matching", only a black exterior. This sleeper used in railway construction bears the heavy responsibility of carrying the track and supporting vehicles. Its durability and stability are directly related to the safety of train operation. Among numerous alternative materials, wood has become the preferred choice due to its high strength and easy processing. But wood is also susceptible to pests and decay, so how to effectively protect it becomes the key.
The anti-corrosion process is the key to solving this problem. After carefully designed anti-corrosion treatment, wood not only greatly improves durability, but also gives it a unique black appearance. How was this actually achieved?
Firstly, let's start with the selection of raw materials. Sleepers are often made of high-quality oak or pine wood, which are more suitable for undergoing anti-corrosion processes due to their dense fibers. In order to make the anti-corrosion effect more long-lasting, after logging, the wood also needs to undergo a long period of natural drying to fully remove internal moisture.
After the wood enters the factory, anti-corrosion treatment should begin. This process can be described as magical like alchemy. Firstly, the wood is placed inside a large tank and soaked under high temperature and pressure. At this point, a magical liquid - anti-corrosion oil - will be injected. This black viscous liquid is the key to the blackening of railway sleepers.
Under high temperature and pressure, anti-corrosion oil can penetrate deep into the interior of wood and entangle with wood fibers. The surface of the wood will be completely soaked by coal tar, forming a dense protective layer. This protective layer not only effectively blocks the invasion of corrosive substances such as moisture and oxygen, but also inhibits the activity of bacteria and fungi inside the wood, greatly extending its service life.
Due to the fact that the anti-corrosion oil itself is pure black, after covering and immersing into the interior of the sleepers, the appearance of the sleepers naturally turns black.
After this "alchemy like" anti-corrosion treatment, the wood not only gained a long service life, but also exhibited a unique black appearance. This black coating is not a simple coating, the standard thickness is already no less than 13mm, and it is difficult to completely wear out this oil immersed layer. That's why railway sleepers are always black and won't fade.
It can be said that the black appearance of railway sleepers is a perfect combination of science and aesthetics. It not only demonstrates the professionalism and rigor of railway construction, but also adds a unique charm to the railway line. Throughout the long history of railways, this black anti-corrosion wood has become a part of railway signage and a iconic image of railways in people's memory.
As for whether a "desert gold" colored anti-corrosion sleeper can be produced, it may be achieved by adding dyes or painting colors. However, this color is not beneficial for its anti-corrosion ability and service life, and it is useless in other aspects. It can be said that it is unnecessary to do so.
The rapid development of the railway industry cannot be separated from the accumulation of every little bit. The black railway anti-corrosion sleepers, seemingly ordinary and unremarkable, actually reflect the exquisite and innovative science and technology. The efforts and wisdom of railway engineers have made railway lines safer, more stable, and efficient, providing convenient and comfortable travel experiences for passengers.
