Chinese scientists have developed a new coating to reduce sparks caused by friction between machines and rocks in coal mines.

The new material was developed by Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

It has passed material tests by China Coal Science Research Institute. The material is immune to static electricity, erosion, acid and alkali, according to the tests.

Machine sparks often lead to gas explosions in coal mines, which claimed many lives each year in China.

The new material can also be applied in other industries such as aviation, construction and chemistry, according to scientists.

Source: Xinhua