'Diab Group,' a Laholm, Sweden-based material science company, demonstrated a new composite material for use in interior aircraft cabins. The material is comprised of layers of thermoplastic skin encompassing a foam core center. According to Diab Group, the composite features a coating developed by 'AkzoNobel Aerospace Coating' that allows the material to be easily welded and molded while crafting a cabin.
The composite material is manufactured in a process that is as much as 35 times faster than traditional cabin panels while simultaneously being crafted out of 40% recycled materials. On top of this, the resulting foam composite is 100% recyclable itself, effectively creating a fully sustainable, efficient solution for aircraft cabin paneling and furniture.
Diab Group and AkzoNobel Aerospace Coating are capable of producing the product in a wide range of colors, allowing the end result to suit the design of any commercial aircraft.
Sustainable Aircraft Cabins
Diab Showcased a Recyclable Composite Material for Cabin Interiors
Trend Themes
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Recyclable Composite Materials — Development and use of composite materials that are made with recyclable components present an opportunity for creating more sustainable aircraft cabins and furniture.
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Efficient Cabin Paneling and Furniture Manufacturing — Innovations in manufacturing processes for cabin paneling and furniture that are faster and use more recycled materials have the potential to create more efficient and sustainable products for aircraft interiors.
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Customizable Cabin Interiors — The ability to produce the new composite material in a wide range of colors presents an opportunity to create customizable aircraft cabin interiors that match the design of commercial aircraft.
Industry Implications
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Aerospace and Aviation — Innovations in sustainable and efficient cabin paneling and furniture for aircraft cabins can benefit the aerospace and aviation industry by reducing environmental impact and increasing production efficiency.
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Materials Science — The development of new composite materials involves exploring new manufacturing processes and material options such as recycled components which represent opportunities for the materials science industry.
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Interior Design — The ability to customize aircraft cabin interiors using a range of colors presents opportunities for the interior design industry to collaborate with the aerospace and aviation industry to create unique and sustainable products.