Vernon Thomas, engineering manager at AIM Composites, said, “Materials and design options for composites in fire-critical applications are currently very limited. The nanocomposites we have developed have led to enhanced performance all round. It is a better, safer product, which is bio-based and renewable. The fire, smoke, and toxicity (FST) performance is better than phenolics. The reduced porosity has great advantages for the finish, reducing costs considerably, and peel strength improvement gives vital increases to integrity and durability. All of which offer airlines greater opportunities for differentiation.”
The success of this project is a significant development for the use of nanocomposite materials in the aerospace industry. Dr Brendon Weager, technical director of Composites Evolution, explained, “Working with Sheffield Hallam University and AIM Altitude has given us the opportunity to fully explore our new product ideas. The nanocomposite solution we have developed has so many improved features it will redefine composites capabilities.”
