From Ensinger, Inc.

In the 1970's, with commercial airline objectives set at weight reduction, increased safety factors, lower manufacturing costs and reduced maintenance schedules, Aerospace Engineers looked to thermoplastic material manufacturers, and component suppliers to develop the necessary resins, filler systems and manufacturing technology to fulfill these goals.
The industry responded with materials like Polyetherimide (PEI) and Polyarylsulphone (PAS), replacing flame retardant Polycarbonate, Nylons and thermoset composite for interior use; Polyetheretherketone, (PEEK), replacing metallic components in non critical structural, fuel and electrical components; and acetal (POM) replacing metallic and sliding parts in galleys and service trolleys. These are but a few of the innovative products that should have transformed the Aerospace industry, in the USA.

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Polymer and Plastic Composites
Polymer and plastic composites are strengthened with fibers, fillers, particulates, powders and other matrix reinforcements to provide improved strength and/or stiffness. Examples include fiber reinforced plastics (FRPs), sheet molding compounds (SMCs), bulk molding compounds (BMCs), pre-preg materials, and fabricated composite parts.

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Topics of Interest

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Thermoplastic composites offer substantial cost savings and improved performance as compared to thermoset parts. This paper will provide a description of properties of high temperature thermoplastic...

Today's high-performance plastics handle elevated temperatures, caustic chemicals, and mechanical stress. AGC Inc., Meriden, Conn., selected carbon-fiber-reinforced PES and glassfiber-reinforced PES...

There is an increase in Continuous Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics used in structural aerospace composites exposed to loads and/or load cycling for extended periods of time. These resins, which...

A.1 Generic Polymeric Material Acronyms ABS Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene ABS + PMMA Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene + Acrylic Alloy ABS + PA...