Aeronautics

The weight, cost and recycling of materials are extremely important in the field of aeronautics. For this reason, replacing traditional materials (metals and thermosetting composites) with thermoplastics is an overriding issue in this industry.  Making materials lighter reduces fuel consumption and therefore leads to sizeable energy savings.  Another argument in favour of integrating plastics in the aeronautics industry is that they do not corrode. 

New generations of planes are enjoying the innovations provided by composites.  Composites are used to make ailerons, stabilizers and fuselage rear sections, etc. In the future, it is envisaged that entire jumbo-jet fuselages will be made of composites.

Thermoplastic composites, based on pre-impregnated PEEK, PPS or polyetherimide, are therefore starting to compete with thermosetting composites and aluminium.   

New requirements for temperature resistance, lightness, fluid resistance, capacity barrier and functional miniaturization are also opening up potential for high-performance plastics.

The major issues relating to plastic integration in the field of aeronautics are: 

• The environment and sustainable development
• Aircraft safety
• Cost optimization

Did you know?

22% of Airbus A380 components are made of plastic, and this figure will reach 50% in future models (A350 and Boeing 787).