A new series of pre-coloured, injection-mouldable polyphenylsulphone (PPSU) resins for use in commercial aircraft interiors has been launched by Solvay Specialty Polymers (Alpharetta, Georgia / USA; www.solvayspecialtypolymers.com).

Solvay said its “Radel” R-7159 range offers a cost-effective way to match interior colour standards established by leading aircraft OEMs. The pre-coloured grades have been formulated to match interiors at leading manufacturers such as Boeing, with colours ranging from bright white to dark blues and greys. Like all products in the Radel PPSU portfolio for aircraft interiors, the resins have excellent impact strength and are resistant to commercial cleaners and insecticides. They also comply with US Federal Aviation Administration flammability regulations. The series is now ready for use by tier 1 and after-market suppliers. Qualification for large aircraft manufacturers is underway and expected to be completed early next year.

The resins are available from Solvay and US engineering plastics compounder RTP Company (Winona, Minnesota; www.rtpcompany.com), which has recently signed a licensing agreement allowing it to manufacture and sell specified aerospace-grade PPSUs under the Radel brand. Solvay said the agreement offers greater flexibility to customers who wish to order smaller volumes or custom colours.