Low-density sealant cuts weight in aircraft

No materials are left behind in the race to reduce weight in aircraft, not even sealants. Simrit, Elgin, Ill., the industrial sealing products division of the Freudenberg and NOK Group companies, developed a low-density silicone material that reduces weight by 15 to 20% compared to other sealants. With a specific gravity of less than one, the material has the same physical properties of traditional silicone materials, but weighs less.

These low-density silicones operate at temperatures anywhere from –85 to 401°F (–65 to 205°C), and set at a durometer of around 50 to 60+ Shore A. Like most silicones, they resist common aircraft fluids and will work in fireproof constructions.

Simrit’s silicone meets SAE Aerospace Material Specification (AMS) 3302 and 3303.

The material is produced at Simrit’s Nadcap- approved Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada, plant. The plant is certified to AS9100 Revision C quality management, including design for the aerospace industry.

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