silicone rubber application in aerospace industry
Silicone is widely used and important in the aerospace field. Its excellent properties, such as high temperature resistance, radiation resistance, aging resistance, chemical corrosion resistance and good mechanical strength, make silicone an indispensable material in the manufacture of aerospace devices. The following are the specific applications of silicone in the aerospace field:
1. Thermal protection and thermal insulation materials
Thermal insulation materials: Silicone is often used in the thermal insulation layer of spacecraft due to its excellent thermal insulation performance, such as thermal insulation tiles and thermal insulation coatings in thermal protection systems (TPS) to protect spacecraft from high temperature burning when passing through the atmosphere.
Fireproof partitions: Silicone fireproof partitions are used in the aerospace field, which can effectively isolate the fire source, prevent the spread of fire, and ensure the structural safety of spacecraft.
2. Sealing and protection
Seals: Silicone seals are widely used in the aerospace field, including shell and hinge seals, engine seals, pipeline seals, etc. Their excellent sealing performance can ensure that spacecraft maintain sealing in various extreme environments.
Protective coating: Silicone protective coating can be used on the outer surface of spacecraft to improve the weather resistance and corrosion resistance of spacecraft and extend its service life.
3. Electronic and electrical components
Electronic equipment protection: Silicone can be used to encapsulate and protect electronic equipment, such as sensors, circuit boards, etc., to prevent electronic equipment from being affected by vibration, impact and harsh environments.
Wires and cables: Silicone wires and cables have properties such as high temperature resistance and radiation resistance, and are suitable for the high-demand environment in the aerospace field.
4. Vibration damping device
Shock-absorbing pads: Silicone shock-absorbing pads can be used in the vibration damping device of spacecraft, effectively reducing the vibration and impact of spacecraft during launch, flight and landing, and protecting the precision instruments and equipment inside the spacecraft.
5. Carbon fiber composite material manufacturing process
Molding process assistance: In the process of making aerospace product parts with carbon fiber composite materials, liquid silicone plays a key role in molding processes such as hot molding process and thermal expansion process. For example, in the silicone thermal expansion process, a special two-component silicone rubber is cast into the required part liner (silicone core mold), and the physical properties of silicone preheating expansion are used to improve the smoothness and beauty of the inner wall after demolding and the improvement of the lightweight of the part.
6. Other applications
The manufacture of oxygen masks, valves, switch covers and other parts is also inseparable from silicone materials. Its aging resistance and radiation resistance ensure the reliability and safety of these parts in extreme environments.
