Trelleborg Introduces Lightweight Silicone Material for Aerospace Airframe Seals

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions launches an innovative lightweight silicone material specifically designed for aerospace airframe applications. Typically 20 percent lighter than standard silicones used for aerospace airframe seals, the material contributes to weight reduction and the aerospace industrys drive to improve efficiency and meet environmental needs. Uniquely, the silicone material is available in three hardnesses, shore 50, 60 and 70, meaning it can more effectively be matched to an applications requirements. With properties that are at an equivalent level to the materials higher weight counterparts, in most cases, the lighter material can be specified without changes to drawings or further homologation.

Director Product Management Aerospace, Global Operations Elastomers, Richard Everett says: "Lightweight compounds will increasingly become the materials of choice for aircraft manufacturers. When you consider that a large airliner contains around one ton of rubber elements, a 20 percent drop equates to a 200 kilogram weight saving. That will have a significant effect on lowering fuel burn and overall CO₂ reduction."

Engineered with ease of processing in mind, the silicone lightweight materials can be manufactured as a wide range of components; from simple solid rubber grommets to highly complex three dimensional composite seals. Typical applications include leading edge, trailing edge, empennage and access doors. The material is formulated to meet industry specifications and can be utilized on both new generation lightweight aircraft as well as for retrofit seals supplied to legacy aircraft.

With a temperature range of -60°C to +200°C/ -76°F to +392°F (with excursions to +250°C/ +482°F) the new silicone material has exceptional compression set as well as outstanding weathering and ozone resistance, allowing it to outperform all other organic elastomers. The lightweight technology utilized also leads to a material with a lower coefficient of friction and improved oil resistance compared to standard silicone.

About Trelleborg Sealing Solutions

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions is one of the worlds leading developers, manufacturers and suppliers of precision seals. It support its aerospace, industrial and automotive customers through over 20 production facilities and more than 40 marketing companies globally. Within its portfolio are some of the longest established sealing brands, including Busak+Shamban, Chase Walton, Dowty, Forsheda, GNL, Palmer Chenard, Shamban, Skega and Stefa along with a large number of proprietary products and materials such as Turcon, Zurcon, Orkot, Isolast, Stepseal and Wills Rings.

About Trelleborg