The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts that climbing jet fuel prices will cost the airline industry US$176 billion in 2011, and as fuel costs continue to rise, so does the importance of lightweight components in aircraft systems.
Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, a leading manufacturer of high-performance polymer components, has its Meldin® 7000, a lightweight high-temperature solution for aerospace finished parts, which it presented during the 49th International Paris Air Show at le Bourget Exhibition Center in Paris from June 20-26, 2011. With its unique combination of performance properties, Meldin 7000 provides high performance finished parts that are 50% lighter than aluminum, reducing total systems weight and decreasing fuel consumption without sacrificing quality or safety.
Found in auxiliary power units (APUs), de-icing systems, cabin air-conditioning systems, actuators, and landing gear systems, Meldin 7000 advanced high-temperature finished parts fortify the overall performance of critical aircraft equipment, strengthening customers’ brands. Such material is able to withstand challenging aerospace environments, because of its dimensional stability at high temperatures, excellent chemical resistance; longer life at higher loads and speeds; and superior thermal insulation properties.
The aerospace industry is benefiting from these innovations. Over the years, the increased use of plastic in aircraft has enabled weight savings, allowing for less fuel to be burnt and reduction in emissions. Strong and lightweight plastics found its way in various parts of the aircraft. Carbon-fibre reinforced plastics is used in centre wing box, a crucial structure which connects the wings to the fuselage, horizontal stabilisers, the fin, the rear fuselage section and for ceiling beams. Impact resistant thermoplastics are used on the wings leading edge.
