The aerospace industry values rubber components’ applications mainly due to the many unique properties of various types of rubber. The material is noted for its flexibility, elasticity, durability, resistance to deformation, tensile strength, and ability to perform in extreme temperatures and withstand harsh chemicals and various environmental conditions. Such mechanical properties are crucial for sealing, spacing, vibration damping, and insulation in aerospace applications like aircraft engines, fuel systems, compartments, and landing gear.
Above all, the ability of varying rubber components to maintain performance under high stress and in harsh environments ensures the reliability and safety of aerospace systems, making them indispensable in the design and operation of aircraft and spacecraft.
The Composition of Rubber Material for the Aerospace Industry
Rubber components used for aerospace applications are types of synthetic rubber known as elastomers. As the name suggests, elastomers are elastic, rubber-like polymer materials produced through the polymerization of petrochemical-derived molecules called monomers. Common synthetic rubber materials used by the aerospace industry include EPDM, neoprene, silicone, Viton (a versatile fluorocarbon), and nitrile. Maintaining performance under dynamic conditions makes elastomers essential in environments where movement and mechanical stress are common.
Rubber compounds may also include additives such as fillers (e.g., carbon black or silica) to enhance strength, plasticizers to improve flexibility, and curing agents like sulfur to create cross-links between polymer chains, improving the material’s elasticity and durability. This composition adds to the material’s versatility and effectiveness in meeting specific performance requirements for various industrial applications.
Common Rubber Components Used in the Aerospace Industry
O-Rings
In aerospace applications, O-rings are vital to meet the sealing requirements that ensure the integrity of systems under extreme conditions. Material considerations are a must. Common types include nitrile rubber (NBR) O-rings, which are valued for their fuel and oil resistance; fluorocarbon (Viton) O-rings are regarded for their chemical compatibility, extended service life, ozone resistance, and an exceptional temperature range of -20 F to 400 F. Silicone o-rings are particularly effective in forming airtight seals for use in high-pressure and high-temperature applications. In addition to their sealing properties, silicone materials are also resistant to extreme temperatures, chemicals, and abrasion, making them a reliable choice for use in harsh environments. Additionally, EPDM O-rings are used for their resistance to weathering, ozone, and water. In contrast, fluorosilicone O-rings combine the thermal stability of silicone with enhanced chemical resistance, particularly against jet fuels. Each type is selected based on the aerospace application’s specific environmental and operational demands.
Rubber Seals and Spacers
Rubber seals and spacers are necessary components in various aircraft areas. In the cockpit, rubber seals seal gaps between instruments, controls, and other components, preventing air leaks and maintaining consistent internal pressure. Similarly, in the cabin, rubber spacers separate panels and components, providing passengers a smooth and quiet ride. Rubber seals are also used in aircraft windows, doors, and hatches, providing a watertight seal and preventing air leaks. Common materials used for these components include neoprene, EPDM, silicone, and FKM.
Gaskets
Gaskets for aerospace applications are manufactured to withstand high temperatures and pressures while resisting corrosion from fuels or freezing conditions. The selection of gasket material is critical to prevent failures that could lead to leaks or equipment damage and must hold unique properties suitable for the application. Elastomeric materials, such as silicone and fluorosilicone, are highly flexible and resistant to high temperatures, chemicals, and compression sets, making them well-suited for sealing applications in aerospace systems. Other gasket rubber materials include EPDM, Viton, neoprene, and nitrile.
Vibration Mounts and Isolators
In aircraft, rubber is often used in mounts and isolators to decouple engines, gearboxes, and other vibrating components from the rest of the airframe. This helps to reduce the transmission of vibrations to the cabin, improving passenger comfort and reducing the risk of fatigue failure in critical components. In spacecraft, rubber is used in similar applications, such as in isolating sensitive instruments and equipment from the harsh vibrations of launch and re-entry. By effectively managing vibrations, rubber plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability and performance of aerospace systems. Made from specialized silicone materials, these mounts and isolators are used in various critical systems, including inertial guidance, navigation systems, and radar components. They are also employed to isolate equipment such as fuel controls, pressure sensors, and oil coolers, which are typically found in engine and aircraft accessory systems.
Thermal Insulation
Thermal insulation in aerospace plays a crucial role in managing heat and protecting critical components from the extreme temperatures generated by jet engines and rocket motors, which would otherwise damage sensitive components, compromise system performance, and even lead to catastrophic failures. Effective thermal insulation helps to mitigate these risks by providing a thermal barrier that absorbs and dissipates heat, thereby maintaining a stable operating temperature for critical systems. Silicone rubber offers excellent thermal stability, allowing it to maintain its performance in extreme temperatures. This makes it a suitable material for various applications, such as gaskets, seals, and thermal insulation, both indoors and outdoors. EPDM’s low thermal conductivity helps to minimize heat transfer, ensuring optimal operating conditions, and its resistance to moisture makes it an excellent choice for use in humid environments. EPDM rubber can also be utilized in aerospace propulsion systems, where it serves as an internal insulation layer in solid rocket motors and re-entry thermal protection systems.
Contact the Rubber Experts at Manufacturer’s Rubber & Supply
Manufacturer’s Rubber & Supply is a leading rubber product provider that serves various industries, including the aerospace industry. Whether you’re working on a specific project or need a specialized rubber material for your application, we offer a comprehensive range of solutions to meet your needs. For more information on how we can meet your application requirements, contact Manufacturer’s Rubber & Supply today.
