Lightweight and durable materials for aircraft components, propulsion systems, fuselage parts, and other aerospace applications. SIC 3721 & 3728.
Plastics are versatile and essential materials in the aviation and aerospace industries. They can be machined, molded, and fabricated into a variety of shapes, and their light weight, durability, impact resistance, and extreme temperature resistance compared to metal make them the preferred material solution for many aircraft components.
Properties
Lightweight - lighter than metal
Durable
Cost-effective vs. metal
Resistance to high temperatures
Generally good weatherability
Applications
Aircraft components
Housings and bearings
Propulsion system components
Cabin lighting
Aircraft equipment
Industries
Aerospace
Aviation
Aerospace & Aviation Materials Overview
Why use plastics for aviation and aerospace applications?
Plastics are a natural fit for aviation and aerospace applications. They are more lightweight than metal which helps reduce overall fuel consumption, and unlike metal will not rust. Easily machined and fabricated, many plastics feature enhanced durability, superior impact resistance, and excellent thermal resistance. Unlike metal, high performance plastics such as PEEK and PPS are corrosion resistant and have good electrical insulation properties in additional to excellent mechanical properties.
Plastics are used in aircraft equipment and components ranging from fuselage and propulsion parts to ball bearings, oxygen systems, landing gear, and other essential aircraft systems.
Plastics used in aerospace applications include acrylic, polycarbonate, PPS, PEEK, Torlon, Ultem®, Kydex®, and phenolics.
Can planes be made out of plastic?
Unlike the main body of the plane, which is typically made from metals like aluminum or composites, interior aircraft components are made from plastic. Overhead bins, tray tables, and seating features are made from plastic due to their inherently lighter weight and better durability compared to metal. Lighter components may extend an aircraft's flight range, decrease fuel consumption, and help with maneuvering.
Which material is useful in aerospace industry?
High performance plastics like PEEK replace metal in the aerospace industry and provide a design choice when excellent mechanical properties, light weight, and high temperature resistance are needed. High performance plastics often possess great electrical insulation properties and are used for components in a variety of aircraft systems, such as chilling systems, oxygen systems, and actuation and control systems.
