A new industry collaboration has been created with the aim of offering lightweight, highly flame-retardant and cost-effective materials for aircraft interior applications including ducting, carpet underlay, environmental control systems and insulation.
The long-term agreement is between Solvay, a manufacturer of polymer and composite materials, and Zotefoams, a manufacturer of lightweight cross-linked polyolefin block foams and a specialist in innovative technical foams. Solvay’s Solef polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) material will be used to produce Zotefoams’ ‘Zotek F’ closed-cell crosslinked range of aerospace foams.
Marc Doyle, executive vice president for aerospace & defence at Solvay’s materials business said the agreement, “opens exciting new perspectives for weight reduction as well as noise and vibration management for interior components thanks to Solef PVDF, extending the reach of our polymers into yet another demanding market segment.”
Solvay’s says that the Solef PVDF speciality polymer can deliver lightweight closed cell cross-linked foams, claimed to enable weight savings of up to 70% in aircraft interiors while meeting aerospace standards.
“PVDF foam is the ideal material for a multitude of applications in aircraft and spacecraft interiors, and we are delighted that this agreement gives security of supply for our customers in unpredictable times,” added James Bridges, director of high-performance products at Zotefoams. Stable product supply is also safeguarded as Solef PVDF is manufactured at Solvay’s sites in North America, Europe and is available worldwide.
