Huntsman debuts composite solutions for aircraft interiors

International airshows over the last few years have seen a ubiquitous emphasis on this issue, with an increasing focus on the role of advanced composites.  Huntsman Advanced Materials has been a pioneer among the commercial developers of this technology, with composites materials that are valued for reducing weight with the consequential positive impact on fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Most recently the attention has shifted somewhat from the airframe to aircraft interiors in the continuous drive for weight reduction.  For many commercial aircraft interior use of composites is just as crucial to the cost: revenue equation, as the weight of composite interiors actually exceeds that of the airframe.

From overhead bins and ceiling panels to cabin dividers, galleys and bulkheads, the use of interior composites in the pursuit of weight reduction vies with lighter textiles and leathers on seating, lighter food carts, the elimination of in-flight magazines and thinner display screens to achieve the desired results.

Huntsman Advanced Materials has launched an entirely new high-performance and inherently flame resistant solution for RTM and infusion processing which offers greater strength whilst answering continued demand for weight reduction in interior aerospace designs.

Araldite FST 40002 / 40003 is a radically different development that provides a unique combination of high mechanical, fire, smoke and toxicity (FST) performance alongside high quality, user-friendly composites processing conditions enabling efficient production of interior carbon and glass composites parts with maximised weight savings.

The mixed two-component system exhibits a low viscosity at working temperatures above 50°C.  The latency range from 50°C to 100°C provides the ability to produce complex parts in small and large dimensions.  In addition, Araldite FST 40002 / 40003 has a low reaction energy of about 220 J/g which eliminates bulk exothermic safety issues and enables large thickness composite part production.

In comparison to traditional RTM and infusion systems, its viscosity and reactivity profile shows snap-cure behaviour which allows fast Tg and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) development.  Also, after pre-cure conditions of approximately one hour at 100°C followed by one hour at 120°C, the system can be demolded, resulting in molding time and mold cost optimisation.  Indeed after the latter pre-cure conditions, the system develops 85-90% of its ultimate ILSS – when measured on carbon fabric reinforcement.

Pre-curing is followed by two-hour post-curing at 180°C, which can be done either in the mold or freestanding, to enable the ultimate performance development.