Exploring Aerospace Applications
ABOUT AEROSPACE PLASTICS
Aerospace plastics are an essential component of any aircraft, from small personal aircraft to large commercial jets. These plastics are lightweight, durable, and resistant to high temperatures and corrosion, making them an ideal choice for aircraft. The most common types of aerospace plastics are acrylic, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyurethane. Acrylic is used for windows, windscreens, and other transparent components. Polycarbonate is used for body panels and instrument panels. PVC is often used for fuel tanks and heat shields. Finally, polyurethane is used for aircraft insulation and cushioning. All of these plastics are designed to be resistant to extreme temperatures, and they have a low coefficient of friction to reduce drag and improve performance. Aerospace plastics are essential for any aircraft, and they play a crucial role in keeping the aircraft safe and efficient.
Applications
- Landing gear components
- Electrical and thermal insulators
- Transparency to electromagnetic signals
- Windows, canopies, dust covers
- Interior wall panels and luggage compartments
- Ventilation ducting and seals
- Trays and tray tables
- Pipes and tubing
- Fasteners
- Mirrors
- Wiring conduits
- Bushings and bearings
- Seals
- Collapsible air duct ribs
- Cabinetry
Materials
- Acetal (POM)
- Acrylic (PMMA)
- Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS)
- Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP)
- Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA)
- Polyamide (PA)
- Polyamide-Imide (PAI)
- Polyarylsulphone (PAS)
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
- Polyphenylene Oxide (modified PPO)
- Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS)
- Polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE)
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)/Acrylic
Advantages May Include
- Lightweight
- Design flexibility (colors, textures)
- Thermoformability
- Reduced maintenance
- Chemical and impact resistant
- Good insulator
- Easily fabricated
- Broad range of being temperature resistant
- Flame, smoke and toxicity resistant
- Cleans easily
- Corrosion resistant
ABOUT AEROSPACE PLASTICS
}