Are we heading for ‘plastic’ aircraft?

The aerospace composites market is expected to record strong growth rates over the next decade.

And a market forecast for 2015-2025 by ASDR Reports provided an estimate of this year’s base figure with the prediction that the aerospace composites market will be worth the equivalent of R101.3 billion in 2015.

A composite material is made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties. These, when combined, produce a material with characteristics different from the individual components. These new materials may be preferred for many reasons: common examples include materials which are stronger, lighter or less expensive when compared to traditional materials.

And the typical engineered composite materials most likely to be considered for aircraft would include reinforced plastics such as fibre-reinforced polymer (fibreglass) and carbon fibre; metal composites; and ceramic composites (composite ceramic and metal matrices).

The most advanced examples perform routinely on spacecraft and aircraft in demanding environments.

The superior strength and lightweight properties of these materials means that they are an effective means of improving aircraft performance and reducing fuel consumption.

The recent global economic recession along with fuel prices have placed greater pressure on aircraft operators to find ways of remaining profitable by reducing operating costs and enhancing overall efficiency through more fuel-efficient and lightweight aircraft.

Composite materials were originally used in small quantities in military aircraft from the 1960s and were being applied to civilian aircraft by the 1970s.

Now they are being used in greater quantities amongst next generation aircraft. Even in the latest generation of aircraft - including the Airbus A380, A350 and Boeing 787 - increasing amounts of composite materials were utilised in their design and construction.