High Performance Materials for Aerospace Applications 

Lightweight composite performance

Aerospace structures must combine low weight, mechanical strength, and reliable long-term performance. Kepstan® PEKK is used in thermoplastic composite parts where high temperature resistance, processability, and durability are required. Its portfolio offers aerospace-relevant properties while supporting a wide range of manufacturing technologies, including composite tapes, reinforced fabrics, welding, overmolding, injection molding, additive manufacturing, and thermoforming. Used as performance additives, Orgasol® Polyamide Powders provide reinforcement in thermoset composite systems and structural adhesives, contributing to improved toughness, long-term performance, and weight reduction.

Structural reinforcement and damage tolerance

For advanced composite systems and structural adhesives, material selection plays a key role in limiting crack propagation and improving overall damage tolerance. Orgasol® Polyamide Powders contribute to improved resistance to crack growth and impact-related damage, supporting more durable aerospace structures.

3D-printed lightweight parts

Aerospace brackets, ducts, and other lightweight printed parts require materials that deliver mechanical strength, temperature resistance, chemical resistance to aerospace fluids, and reliable performance in complex geometries. Kepstan® PEKK supports parts produced by additive manufacturing technologies such as selective laser sintering (SLS), fused filament fabrication (FFF), or fused deposition modeling (FDM®), making it well suited for aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) applications.

Cabin thermal and acoustic protection

Aircraft interiors need materials that deliver thermal performance, dimensional stability, and reliable long-term use, while contributing to weight reduction. Arkema’s High Performance Materials support high-temperature interior parts, insulation, peelable shims, and thermal acoustic bags, where thermal resistance and electrical insulation are essential. Zenimid™ Polyimide is well suited to these demanding cabin applications.

Lightweight technical interior components

Aircraft cabin components often need to be lightweight, impact-resistant, and dimensionally stable, while remaining easy to process. Rilsan® PA11, Arkema’s bio-based polyamide 11, supports lightweight technical interior parts, offering a balanced combination of chemical resistance, impact resistance, and dimensional stability.

Wire protection and chemical resistance

Aerospace wiring systems require materials that ensure reliable electrical insulation and performance in harsh environments, while withstanding extreme temperatures and mechanical stresses. Materials must also support fire performance with low smoke emission to meet stringent aerospace safety standards. Kynar® PVDF is well suited for wire insulation and cable jacketing, helping protect electrical systems and maintain reliable performance over time.

High-performance connectors

Aerospace electrical connectors must withstand harsh thermal conditions while maintaining mechanical integrity and dimensional stability. Kepstan® PEKK is used in high‑performance connector components, where these material properties are critical. Its thermoplastic processability supports the design of robust connector housings suited to demanding aerospace electrical systems.

Thermal insulation and MLI systems

Satellites operate in extreme environments, with thermal cycling ranging from −269 °C to +400 °C, vacuum conditions, and strict contamination control requirements. Polyimide films are widely used in multi‑layer insulation (MLI) systems, where material performance is critical to maintain thermal stability and prevent degradation over long missions. Zenimid™ Polyimide films provide high thermal stability, very low outgassing, and excellent dielectric strength, making them particularly suited for space‑grade insulation systems positioned near sensitive instruments and optics.

Solar arrays and thermal control

Solar arrays operate under extreme thermal cycling, UV radiation, and vacuum conditions, while requiring lightweight and durable materials to maintain efficiency over time. Polyimide films are used as flexible substrates and backing layers, enabling systems to withstand rapid temperature changes without embrittlement. Zenimid™ Polyimide materials combine thermal stability, low outgassing, and resistance to radiation and UV exposure, helping ensure long‑term mechanical integrity and electrical insulation of solar array structures.

Coatings and high-temperature insulation

Satellite components such as motors, coils, transformers, and electronic assemblies require insulation materials capable of withstanding continuous high temperatures and electrical stress. Polyimide varnishes are used for coatings and electrical insulation, where durability and performance are critical. Zenimid™ Polyimide varnishes provide high thermal endurance (typically ≥240 °C to 350 °C), high dielectric strength, and strong chemical resistance, making them suitable for coating and insulating critical components exposed to severe thermal and electrical environments.