5 Important Properties to Look for in a Material When Choosing Aircraft Interior Components

The interior of an aircraft should not only be safe and secure from high pressure outside the cabin mid-flight but also need to be comfortable for passengers and cabin crew. Hence, it requires a good mix of safety features and good aesthetics in order to qualify a material to be used as aircraft interior components. Many aircraft interior component manufacturing firms conform to strict aviation standards that are set by the Federal Aviation Administration and regulations set by the aircraft manufacturers.

There are some important properties that are desired from aircraft interior materials, only then which they are deemed to be air-worthy. Even the slightest of the problem can balloon into a major disaster in case of aircraft, hence they need to be impeccable. Here are 5 important properties desirable in aircraft interior materials:

1. Sound Proof

Aircraft engines create massive noise, which can be heard even miles away; imagine what it might do to passengers inside the aircraft, who are in close proximity to the jet engines. Hence, one of the first requirements for an aircraft interior material is that it must be soundproof. Many thermoforming plastics are used for this as they can reduce noise greatly without compromising on other essential areas.

2. Fire Resistant

The second most important factor to take into consideration is fire resistance. Every single material used inside an aircraft needs to be as fire-proof as possible to reduce the chances of catching or spreading any unwanted fires, and these include blankets, seats, seat covers, insulation covers, and interior detailing of the aircraft. FAA has regulated strict standards for fire-proofing, and manufacturers have to adhere to those rules.

3. Static Resistant

Static electricity can accumulate over long flights, both inside and outside the aircraft. While taking care of static electricity on the aircraft exterior is the job of the aircraft manufacturer, suppliers should make sure the interior components are also as static resistant as possible. If not, accumulated static charges can play havoc with communication instruments and can also cause sparks during refueling.

4. Heat/Cold Insulator

The exterior of an aircraft mid-flight can get very hot or very cold depending on the time of the day and weather conditions. Hence, interior components must be good insulators of heat, blocking exterior temperatures from getting inside the aircraft and causing discomfort to passengers. Aircraft manufacturers use many techniques to improve insulation independent of the materials used for interior, but suppliers also have to make sure their products follow insulation standards strictly.

5. Low Maintenance

Most aircraft spend more time in the air than on the ground. Hence, the materials are subjected to a lot of use over the service period. The components and materials need to be durable enough so that they don’t wear out easily and last long, possibly for years. They also need to be very easy to clean, for there isn’t enough time to wash away tough stains and accumulated dirt during hectic airline schedules. In short, they must be of low maintenance and should not cost airlines a lot of money to clean or replace.