Gore launches new line of aviation fluid-repellent sealant tape

W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. (Gore) has enhanced its line of SKYFLEX Aerospace Materials with a new aviation fluid-repellent tape. Available in various sizes, the new sealant tape is well-suited for use on belly fairings, engine nacelles, tail boom covers, fuel bladders and access panels. This gap filling material provides durable, reliable protection in the most demanding conditions, including wide temperature ranges, bending, flexing, and exposure to chemically aggressive aircraft fluids. GORE SKYFLEX Aerospace Materials that repel aviation fluid consist of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) — a proprietary material used in the construction that has been chemically modified to resist typical aircraft fluids. At the same time, these materials have non-hazardous properties that meet industry standards. Traditional materials used to seal body panel joints on aircraft can be exposed to petroleum and phosphate-based hydraulic fluids, engine oils, and de-icing fluids. As a result, some of these materials can break down after absorbing these chemically aggressive aircraft fluids, which can compromise their performance. Unlike traditional two-component materials, GORE SKYFLEX Aerospace Materials require no mixing, masking, curing, or cleanup after installation. Their flexible construction allows them to conform easily to complex shapes and irregular surfaces, making them easy to install. They also maintain their performance over multiple open and close cycles during production and maintenance. “The new aviation fluid-repellent GORE SKYFLEX Aerospace Materials give aircraft manufacturers the best of both worlds in panel sealants – durable, reliable protection in an easy-to-apply tape form,” said Ross Livington, Gore Product Specialist. “The real value of the product lies in the ability to make installation a shorter, easier process, without the need of special application training.”