Composites

Composites based on Ticona’s high performance Fortron® polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) are finding new uses in aerospace and recreational applications.

Fortron PPS forms the matrix for the extremely light and robust composites used for the inboard leading-edge nose on the wings of the new Airbus A380  as well as the A340-500/600 series. The composite, made with Fortron PPS 0214C1, replaces aluminum in this application. It reduces weight by 20 - 40%, speeds fabrication, improves impact resistance, and has excellent resistance to hydraulic fluids, de-icing agents, fuel and other chemically aggressive fluids. The weight reduction helps to achieve lower fuel consumption, higher passenger capacity and longer range, while the inherent flame retardancy of Fortron PPS is an important safety factor in aircraft operation

Other advantages provided by the Fortron PPS composite include excellent dimensional stability and the ability to hold tight tolerances from -55 to 80°C (-67 to 176°F).

Composites based on Fortron PPS are being used for numerous applications in aircraft construction, including the ailerons and keel beam of the aircraft. Individual parts are welded together in an autoclave to form a solid, inseparable unit. This process reduces laborious drilling and riveting work and so leads to higher strength and safety, while saving time, weight and money.

Switching from aluminum to PPS composites also made it possible for designers to change the shape of the nose parts. Instead of the traditional "D-nose," the new components enabled designers to create the more favorable "J-nose". This design allows the nose to house electrical, de-icing and other systems. Arch-shaped ribs reinforce the elements so that they are extremely rigid in the flight direction, and they can accommodate the flexure of the wings in the transverse direction.

Returning to earth, a leading manufacturer of golf club shafts has chosen a composite made of Fortron PPS 0214B1 and carbon fiber for three new woods shafts. This composite improves club stability at impact and energy transfer contributing to better accuracy and ball performance

The viscoelastic PPS composite dynamically stiffens the shaft to give tighter ball dispersion and better shot accuracy. It also helps provide a more consistent kick through the ball that can improve performance over a wide range of swing speeds. Shafts made from Fortron PPS efficiently transfer vibration to the golfer’s hand, which improves feel compared to regular graphite shafts, giving golfers more control. Linear Fortron PPS is preferred for this application over branched PPS resin because it provides higher strength and stiffness, improved processability in a pultruded tape, and more consistency.