'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
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.