Publish Time: 2021-07-31 Origin: Site
The development of the aerospace industry is created by a series of complex projects. Keeping a satellite or rocket airborne involves thousands of variables. The equipment must be rugged and able to maintain accurate and predictable performance over time. In addition, the required materials are required to be lightweight. Nearly harsh requirements have also led to the invention of some high-quality materials. The combination of polymer and reinforcement provides metal-like tensile properties while reducing weight by up to 85%.
ePTFE membrane is a new type of polymer material, with a micron or sub-micron porous three-dimensional network microstructure, made of PTFE resin by special processing methods such as stretching and turning. While maintaining the excellent chemical properties of PTFE, different functions and uses can be achieved by changing the structure, shape, thickness, and surface geometry of the material, and then matching auxiliary materials with different characteristics. The main raw materials for the manufacturing and processing of ePTFE membrane and its components are PTFE resin, PP, PE and other polymer raw materials, which belong to petrochemical products. Its downstream industries include automobiles, consumer electronics, new energy, aerospace and other industries.
The good waterproof and breathable performance of ePTFE membrane has gradually attracted attention and application in high-tech fields such as aerospace. In order to control the humidity of the spacecraft, the high-efficiency hygroscopic material used in the spacecraft absorbs water vapor in the air and converts it into liquid, which is stored in porous materials.
There are many variants of PTFE, among which expanded PTFE is widely used. It is understood that PTFE is a useful polymer in aerospace. It is widely used in radar, fluid transmission and insulating materials (PTFE tape for gas, high density threads sealing tape and PTFE cable wrapping film, etc.). Expanded PTFE provides a series of new characteristics, thereby further improving the practicality of the material.
In this article, we will explore some applications of ePTFE tape with high dielectric strength in the aviation field.
ePTFE has a soft foam-like structure and can easily adopt the shape of its surrounding materials. The ePTFE is sandwiched between any two harder elements to instantly create a perfect seal. Soft ePTFE tape can form a seal with minimal torque. The seal can also function under high pressure. When the pressure starts to rise, there is little chance that a good seal on the ground will suddenly fail.
ePTFE is resistant to high temperatures and chemically inert. Such characteristics enable the seal to work effectively under extreme environmental conditions.
ePTFE sealing tape is commonly used in areas where the assembly is to be permanently sealed and the assembly is rarely disturbed. It can be provided in rolls and can be conveniently used on site.
In the aviation field, advanced design techniques are also helpless in predicting component vibration during operation. Friction between parts can cause wear and noise. Expanded PTFE tape is an ideal medium used between friction parts. The tape is squeezed down to fit the exact gap between the parts, and any damage and noise that may be caused between the parts are eliminated.
ePTFE is also very light in weight and low in density. Therefore, the use of low-density ePTFE does not have to worry about burdening the system.
In areas that are in close contact with fuel and aviation oil, ePTFE can be used as an effective protective agent. The oleophobic ePTFE forms an effective layer on the area to prevent oil and fuel from being corroded.
The corrosion-resistant material ePTFE is particularly useful in access panels and fairings. Because hydraulic or oil contamination may occur in the access panel and fairing.
In summary, ePTFE has become one of the most used materials in the aerospace industry due to its sealing properties, high temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and abrasion resistance.