SKY: Film meets new aircraft insulation requirements
Canadian Plastics
We've all seen airplane disaster movies; few of us mind, therefore, when safety standards for commercial aircraft are improved. But what we don't often realize is that meeting these new standards in a cost-effective manner can pose real...
We’ve all seen airplane disaster movies; few of us mind, therefore, when safety standards for commercial aircraft are improved. But what we don’t often realize is that meeting these new standards in a cost-effective manner can pose real challenges to the airplane manufacturers.
So when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a new fuselage “burn-through” barrier requirement for all new aircraft manufactured after September 1, 2009, Victrex’s APTIV PEEK-based covering film became a hot item.
“APTIV film laminates meet FAA radiant panel testing which mandates the improved resistance to flame propagation for thermal and acoustic insulation blankets,” said John Walling, global aerospace marketing manager at Victrex. “In addition, APTIV films can be laminated to specialized burn-through barrier systems, resulting in a complete system that will meet the new FAA requirements.”
The APTIV film is also lightweight, an important factor in reducing aircraft weight and increasing fuel economy. “APTIV film can be produced at 6m (micron) thickness, offering significant weight savings versus the existing 12m PVF insulation systems,” Walling said.
Victrex USA Inc. (West Conshohocken, Pa.); www.victrex.com; 484-342-6001
