Aerospace Industry

High-Performance Polymers for the Aerospace Industry

In aerospace, materials must meet strict prerequisites to ensure safety, performance and durability in challenging environments.
High-performance polymers, including PEEK, Polyimide, PAI, PEI, PPA, and PBI find use in critical applications due to their unique characteristics.

Polyetheretherketon (PEEK)

PEEK can withstand temperatures up to 240°C and does not burn quickly. It also has a high melting point between 334°C to 343°C and solid and light mechanical properties. These features make it suitable for engine parts, structural elements like brackets and connectors, and electrical and thermal protection insulation materials in aircraft wiring systems.

This material has a wide range of applications as a matrix in composite structures and as fasteners, for example, nuts and bolts. It helps create lightweight components for aircraft because of its special features.

Thermoplastic Polyimide (TPI) POLYTEM®

TPI is well-suited for aerospace applications. It has a glass transition temperature 245℃, high-temperature resistance, low outgassing, and chemical and radiation resistance shields to protect sensitive equipment. In addition, its electrical insulating properties make it suitable for applications in wiring and other electrical components. AURUM serves as a matrix in composite structures and maintains elasticity at cryogenic temperatures, making it well-suited for applications in space

It finds application in structural components of aircraft engines. It allows injection moulding to create complex shapes, maintaining its high-temperature rigidity in the engine environment and as resins for Carbon fibre-reinforced parts.

Applying CFRP with excellent high-temperature characteristics to aircraft parts is possible. Researchers have tested AURUM for its space applications.

Othe Polyimides can contribute to the fabrication of aircraft engine and airframe components, space transportation airframes, propulsion systems (NASA), sensors and probe for aerospace applications.

Celazole® Polybenzimidazole (PBI)

PBI is the highest-performing engineering thermoplastics with a glass transition temperature of 427°C; it has good chemical resistance and dimensional stability.

It serves as a fire-resistant material for aircraft interiors, contribute as a safety measure in critical aerospace systems and function as a protective gear, with its fabrics utilized in firefighter suits for aerospace applications.

It serves in electrical insulation and various applications, including nose cones, leading edges, bearing and bushing, and ablative heat shields.  PBI also helps airlines to save costs by replacing steel and titanium parts with plastic ones.

Polyamidimid (PAI)

PAI with its continuous service temperature of 260°C, can withstand up to 200°C. It has characteristics such as high impact & wear resistance, good mechanical properties and chemical resistance. In addition, PAI is resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including aviation fuels, hydraulic fluids, etc., ensuring durability when exposed to a corrosive environment. Is high-temperature and low outgassing characteristics allow for its application in interior components of aircraft, such as cabin panels and spacecraft ducting

Polyetherimide (PEI)

PEI has good impact resistance, excellent flame resistance and dielectric properties. In some instances, PEI may find use in thermal insulation applications where its ability to withstand elevated temperatures could be beneficial.

Polyphthalamide (PPA)

PPA has a high-temperature resistance of approximately (150°C to 180°C) and it can withstand elevated temperatures without significant loss of mechanical properties. It is lightweight, and this contributes to fuel efficiency in aerospace. Manufacturers can also use it for producing engine components, bushing and bearing pads in aircraft engines