#10 Aerospace Manufacturing and Design’s Best of 2021: 6 polymer technology trends in aerospace

Plastic materials are seeing increased use in aircraft and spacecraft to reduce weight, improve quality, and lower manufacturing and maintenance costs.

Antimicrobial aircraft seat backs, made from KYDEX thermoplastics, resist stains and cleaning chemicals. They also meet stringent flammability, smoke, and toxicity standards required for use in commercial aircraft interiors.
Antimicrobial aircraft seat backs, made from KYDEX thermoplastics, resist stains and cleaning chemicals. They also meet stringent flammability, smoke, and toxicity standards required for use in commercial aircraft interiors.
Photo courtesy of Sekisui KYDEX

Posted by Jake Kauffman, Senior Editor - Manufacturing Group

Published December 20, 2021

1. Using antimicrobial plastics that have enhanced compatibility with disinfectants for aircraft interiors.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, aircraft interior surfaces are being cleaned and disinfected in ways that can quickly degrade traditional plastic materials. New antimicrobial and disinfectant-resistant plastics initially developed for use in hospitals are now being specified for aircraft interiors. These materials are formulated to meet the stringent flame, smoke, toxicity, and heat-release standards required for commercial aircraft.

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