The Use of Transparent Plastics in Aircraft

Since the 1950s, the use of materials like magnesium, fabric, and wood in aircraft construction has largely disappeared. Use of aluminum, which was once found in 80 percent of airframes, has also reduced to about 15 percent today. Replacing these materials are non-metallic aircraft materials, such as reinforced plastics and advanced composites. In this blog, we will look at one of the most commonly used non-metallic aircraft materials: transparent plastics.

Transparent plastic materials are used in aircraft canopies, windshields, windows, and other similar transparent enclosures. These plastics are divided into two major classes based on their reaction to heat: thermoplastic and thermosetting. Thermoplastic materials soften when heated and harden when cooled. They are heated until soft and then formed into the desired shape. Once they cool, the plastics will retain this shape. A benefit of thermoplastic materials is that they can be reheated and reshaped any number of times without changing the chemical composition of the materials. Thermosetting plastics harden when heated, and reheating does not soften them. Therefore, once fully cured, these plastics cannot be reshaped.

In addition to these classes, transparent plastics can be manufactured in two forms: monolithic and laminated. Laminated plastics are made from transparent plastic face sheets bonded by an inner layer material, typically polyvinyl butyral. Laminated plastics are superior to monolithic due to their shatter-resistant qualities, and are therefore used in many pressurized aircraft. Most of the transparent plastic sheets are made in adherence to various military specifications. One of the newest types of transparent plastics is stretched acrylic. This is a type of plastic which is pulled in both directions to rearrange its molecular structure prior to being shaped. It offers greater resistance to impact and is less subject to shatter. Stretched acrylic also has a greater chemical resistance, simpler edging, and is less sensitive to crazing or scratches.

Individual sheets of plastics are covered with a heavy masking paper with an added pressure sensitive adhesive. This paper prevents accidental scratching during storage or handling. It is important to be careful to avoid scratches and gouges which can be caused by sliding sheets against one another or across rough or dirty surfaces. Ideally, during storage, sheets should be stored in bins tilted at approximately 10° from vertical. If horizontal storage is your only option, do not stack them in piles higher than eighteen inches. Additionally, small sheets should be stacked on the larger ones to prevent unsupported overhang. Store in a cool, dry place away from solvent fumes, heating coils, radiators, and steam pipes. The temperature within the storage room should not be above 120°F.

Direct sunlight does not harm acrylic plastic, but it can cause drying and hardening of the masking adhesive, making removal of the paper more difficult. If the paper is not rolling off easily, place the sheet of plastic in a 250°F oven for no more than one minute. This heat should soften the adhesive, making removal of the paper more easy. If an oven is not available, hardened masking paper can be softened by using aliphatic naphtha. Rubbing the masking paper with a naphtha-saturated cloth will soften the adhesive and free the paper from the plastic. Sheets treated with this must be immediately washed so as not to scratch the surfaces.

For all types of non-metallic aircraft materials and much more, look no further than Aviation Axis. In our inventory, we offer non-metallic materials such as paper and paperboard, refractors and fire surfacing materials, glass fabricated materials, rubber fabricated materials, and more. Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all types of parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, defense, electronics, industrial, and IT hardware markets. Our account managers are always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@aviationaxis.com or call us at 1-714-705-4780. Let us show you why we consider ourselves the future of purchasing.


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