Supporting a New Generation of Aircraft
With ongoing population changes and technology enabling societal advancements around the world, commercial air travel is expected to grow exponentially over the next 20 years.
By 20361:
- China could require 7,690 new commercial aircraft.
- Middle East airlines are forecasted to have demand for 2,990 new aircraft.
- India is expected to become the third largest aviation market, accounting for approximately 478 million passengers.
To accommodate for this growth, airlines are seeking the most efficient and economical ways to expand their fleet, while finding ways to operate planes longer with less maintenance downtime. This creates demand for next-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft with special considerations for engine design and fuel and hydraulic systems. The rubber O-rings, seals, gaskets, and hoses used in these systems must operate at high temperatures, while being exposed to synthetic oils and fumes.
Viton™ fluoroelastomers have excellent fuel and heat resistance and are ideally suited for aviation applications. Rubber parts made with Viton™ fluoroelastomers stay flexible and elastic in higher temperatures, far outlasting any other rubber or general-purpose elastomer on the market. Its reliability allows for extended service intervals, helping stretch maintenance budgets by reducing unscheduled downtime.
Viton™ fluoroelastomers are the polymers of choice for many of today's advanced aircraft systems because they offer:
- Excellent resistance to oils, fuels, lubricants, and most mineral acids
- Higher resistance to degradation than other non-fluorinated elastomers
- Extremely low permeability to a broad range of substances, including oxygenated aircraft fuels
Meeting the Demands of New Spacecraft and Satellite Activities
New technologies are enabling a renaissance in space exploration, satellites, and private ventures. China is rapidly increasing their number of space flights per year, and companies including SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and others are making commercial space launches a regular occurrence.
All of these efforts rely on advanced engine and propulsion technologies that require parts that operate in the most harsh and demanding operating conditions while meeting stringent specifications.
Viton™ fluoroelastomers are the ideal polymer for these critical applications. O-rings, seals, gaskets, and hoses made with Viton™ fluoroelastomers withstand the high temperatures and harsh chemicals in modern aerospace systems. With a range of grades to rely on, Viton™ fluoroelastomers let designers match components with their application based on necessary characteristics, including:
- Resistance to high temperatures, while retaining mechanical properties
- Oil and chemical resistance unaffected by elevated temperatures
- Fuel resistance, while retaining elasticity
- Low temperature resistance
