Polymer Material Decreases Mass of Aircraft

March 1, 2017

An engine fan with a carbon-fiber cover. (Credit: Aleksander Babkin)

Lomonosov Moscow State University engineers created unique polymer matrices for polymer composites based on novel phthalonitrile monomers. The materials can sufficiently decrease the mass of aircraft parts that operate at high temperatures. The high-temperature polymer composites can replace existing metal engine parts.

Weight decrease in the case of airplanes results in better fuel economy and increased aircraft useful load. Thus, the production cost of polymer composites is offset by a reduction of fuel consumption and an increase in cargo capacity. The polymer composites also are less expensive to maintain since they are not susceptible to corrosion.

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