DuPont Kalrez and Vespel high-performance parts for improved reliability debuts at Paris Air Show

Aerospace designers and reliability engineers attending the Paris Air Show will see how innovative aerospace materials from DuPont Performance Polymers can improve performance, reliability, weight and sustainability of systems in part applications. DuPont Kalrez and Vespel high-performance parts, located in Hall 2b DE3, have extended part life and enhanced performance in demanding aerospace systems for over 45 years.

Elastomers Demonstrate High-Temperature Performance

"Kalrez perfluoroelastomer parts have been formulated with optimized properties to give the best possible performance in aerospace applications," said Mark Forkapa, global aerospace marketing manager – DuPont Kalrez and Vespel. "Our latest products, Kalrez AeroSeal 7777 and 7797 parts have been successfully evaluated in a test for over 8,000 hours by a major OEM in contact with HTS (high thermo-oxidative stability) lubricants." Both 7777 and 7797 have a maximum continuous service temperature of 325° C (617° F), demonstrate low compression set, improved stress relaxation and improved temperature cycling performance.

Latest Polyimides Improve Wear Resistance, Reduce Weight

The latest Vespel parts offering, SCP, provide improved wear resistance at elevated temperatures and a low coefficient of friction compared to traditional polyimides. "SCP parts are a key reason why we're gaining more and more approvals for use in aircraft systems in wear applications, including bumpers, wear pads, bushings, seals and shrouds," said Forkapa. "Engineers' confidence in these new materials has been demonstrated by their having been specified on numerous aircraft programs," he added.

Seizing on their benefits, aerospace engineers are choosing Vespel SCP parts over traditional non-metallics in many cases. For example, in applications where non-metallic materials have never been widely used, engineers are relying on the high-temperature capabilities and wear resistance of Vespel SCP parts to replace metal, thus saving weight, improving fuel efficiency and contributing to operational cost reduction. Vespel SCP parts typically weigh 75 to 80 percent less than stainless steel and substantially less than aluminum or titanium components.

DuPont Kalrez and Vespel high-performance parts provide innovative solutions to aerospace designers and specifiers when complex sealing, wear or friction difficulties are encountered.