Technical Fabrics in Aerospace

The Innovative World of Technical Fabrics in Aerospace Industry 

1.  Aerospace Industry

2. Use of technical fabrics in aerospace industry

   2.1 Composites Reinforced with Technical Fabrics

   2.2 Fire-Resistant Technical Textiles

   2.3 Knitted Reinforcements for Rubber Components

3. Fibre material in aerospace fabrics

4. Ongoing Research and Future Innovations

5. Baltex Aerospace fabrics 

1.  Aerospace Industry

The aerospace industry is at the cutting edge of materials science and engineering, continuously pushing boundaries to achieve new levels of performance, efficiency, and safety. Among the many innovative materials utilised in this field, technical fabrics have emerged as true game-changers, revolutionising aircraft design and construction.

Technical fabrics, also known as industrial textiles or engineered fabrics, are highly specialised materials crafted to meet stringent performance requirements. These fabrics are meticulously engineered to exhibit properties such as high strength-to-weight ratios, thermal resistance, chemical inertness, and resistance to abrasion, making them ideal for aerospace applications.

2. Use of technical fabrics in aerospace industry

   2.1 Composites Reinforced with Technical Fabrics

One of the most prominent applications of technical fabrics in aerospace is in the construction of aircraft fuselages and wings. Composite materials, which incorporate technical fabrics like carbon fibre, aramid, and glass fibre, have replaced traditional metal alloys in many modern aircraft designs. These composite materials offer exceptional strength while being significantly lighter, leading to improved fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.

At the forefront of modern aircraft design are composite materials reinforced with technical fabrics such as carbon fibre, aramid, and glass fibre. These fabric-reinforced polymer composites boast exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, allowing for lighter airframe structures that significantly reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. From fuselages and wings to interior cabins, these composites are rapidly replacing traditional metallic materials across commercial, military, and general aviation platforms.

  2.2 Fire-Resistant Technical Textiles

Another crucial application lies in the fabrication of aircraft interiors. Fire-resistant technical fabrics are employed in the production of seat covers, cabin wall linings, and overhead bins, ensuring passenger safety in the event of an emergency. These fabrics are engineered to meet stringent flammability standards, minimising the risk of fire propagation and providing valuable evacuation time.

Passenger safety is of paramount importance in the aerospace industry, and technical textiles play a vital role in minimising fire risks. Fabrics engineered with specialised coatings or inherent fire-resistance properties, such as aramids like Nomex and Kevlar, are used in the construction of seat covers, wall linings, and storage bins. These materials not only meet stringent flammability standards but also provide valuable evacuation time in the event of an emergency.

  2.3 Knitted Reinforcements for Rubber Components

Knitted technical fabrics have emerged as crucial reinforcements for rubber components such as hoses, seals, and diaphragms. By fully integrating into the rubber matrix, the open knit architecture creates a tenacious mechanical bond upon curing. This delivers truly rugged and fatigue-resistant rubber parts capable of handling aerospace applications' most demanding conditions of high pressure, temperature, and vibration.

Knitted technical fabrics have emerged as crucial reinforcements for rubber components such as hoses, seals, and diaphragms used in aerospace applications. The open construction of the knit allows the rubber to fully penetrate the fabric, creating a strong mechanical bond upon curing. This integration results in robust and fatigue-resistant rubber parts capable of handling high pressures, temperatures, and vibrations.

3. Fibre material in aerospace fabrics

Both knit and woven technical fabrics allow tremendous versatility through fibre material selection and innovative knit/weave patterns. Polyester and para-aramids deliver tenacity and high modulus; polyamides enhance cut/abrasion resistance; PBO, PBO-zylon, and PEN fibres provide impressive thermal capabilities. Hybrid fabric compositions can be engineered layer-by-layer to balance multiple critical properties.

Beyond structural and safety applications, technical fabrics also play a vital role in aircraft functionality. For instance, specialised fabrics are used in the construction of inflatable evacuation slides, which must be robust enough to withstand impact and support the weight of passengers during emergency evacuations.

In the realm of spacecraft design, technical fabrics have proven to be indispensable. The extreme conditions encountered in space demand materials that can withstand extreme temperatures, UV radiation, and micrometeoroid impacts. Technical fabrics like Kevlar, Nomex, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are employed in the construction of spacesuits, heat shields, and inflatable structures, ensuring the safety and functionality of space missions.

The development of technical fabrics is a continuous process, driven by the ever-increasing demands of the aerospace industry. Research and innovation are ongoing, exploring new fibre compositions, weaving techniques, and coating processes to create materials that can withstand even harsher environments and offer superior performance.

4. Ongoing Research and Future Innovations

As the aerospace industry continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, the role of technical fabrics will only become more significant. These innovative materials are not only shaping the aircraft and spacecraft of today but also paving the way for the extraordinary designs of tomorrow.

Ongoing Research and Future Innovations: The development of technical textiles for aerospace applications is a continuous process driven by the industry's ever-increasing demands. Research efforts are focused on pushing the boundaries of temperature resistance, developing self-sensing and self-healing capabilities, and exploring fabric-based anaerobic membranes for water purification in space. As these innovations keep soaring, so too will the aerospace industry's ability to surpass current design limits and achieve new heights of performance and efficiency.

5. Baltex Aerospace fabrics 

Baltex is the leading producer of knitted fabrics for rubber reinforcement in Europe. With over 30 years of experience in this field, we have a wide range of fabrics for hose, diaphragm and seals. We principally produce fabrics in Polyester, Meta-Aramid and Polyamide.

Thanks to our fabrics, the aerospace hoses are stronger, more durable, perform better and can resist a wide range of temperature variations. Baltex has many years of experience in developing fabrics that suit the needs of the aerospace industry.

Our knitted fabrics provide excellent reinforcement for rubber products used in aerospace applications. The open construction of the knit allows the rubber to fully penetrate the fabric, creating a strong mechanical bond when cured. This leads to hoses, seals and diaphragms that are robust and resistant to high pressures, temperatures and fatigue.

Polyester is often used for its high strength and stiffness. Meta-Aramid fibres like Nomex are naturally flame resistant, maintaining strength at elevated temperatures. Polyamide provides good abrasion resistance. By blending different yarns and using special knit structures, we can customise the fabric properties for each application.

Baltex`s rubber reinforcement fabrics have Boeing and Airbus approval.