The aerospace and aviation industry is one of the fastest
growing industries in the world. It is a very diverse industry, having an
immediate impact on the lives of almost everyone. In most industrial
countries, the aerospace industry comprises a cooperation of public and
private industries. Aerospace industry produces aircrafts, space vehicles,
aircraft engines, guided missiles, propulsion units, and related parts. Most
of the aerospace/aviation industry is involved towards governmental work. In
the US, there are two main departments which are the two biggest consumers
of aerospace technology and products. They are Department of Defense and
NASA. In the third world, India is one of the largest aviation industry.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is India's gigantic aeronautical
organization. This is also one of the major aerospace complexes in the
world. There are many companies all over the world producing technical tools
and components like spaceships and satellites. Aerospace has become an
exciting and diverse and fast paced fields of today.
Rubber products in the aviation industry
Rubber and rubber
products are widely used in the aviation/aerospace industry. The ability to
withstand extreme temperatures makes rubber parts ideal for use in aircraft
and aerospace applications. Various synthetic rubber can withstand
aggressive aerospace fluids, including engine lubrication oils, hydraulic
fluids, jet fuels, oxidizers and rocket propellants. Seals fabricated with
elastomers like Viton, Hypalon etc. are used regularly in commercial and
military aircraft turbine engines, hydraulic actuators, auxiliary power
units. The high performance properties of rubber have been well received in
many aircraft and missile components and they have proven their superior
performance in various applications related to aerospace and aviation such
as:
- Auxiliary power units
- Hydraulic actuators
- Aviation, marine and industrial gas turbine engines
- O-rings used in connectors, pumps, valves and oil reservoirs
- Bleed air valves and fittings
- Firewall seals
- T-seals
- Radial lip seals used in pumps
- Cap-seals
- Manifold gaskets
- Coated rubber fabric covers for jet engine exhausts between flights
- Abrasion-resistant solution coating over ignition cable
- Clips for jet engine wiring
- Hose for hot engine lubricants
Various rubber products used in the aviation industry are as follows: