Since the topic of FR protection of aircraft has arisen I thought readers might be interested in the content of two recent US patents granted to Cocoon Inc, a company whose business is described as providing protection for the aircraft industry. Both patents refer to the use of Alexium’s RST technology.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/767,443 entitled “Thermal/Acoustical Liner For Cargo Aircraft”, filed on Feb. 21, 2013 which is incorporated fully herein by reference.
The liner is intended for use in a cargo aircraft on the interior airframe of the aircraft to help deaden acoustical noise coming from the airframe, although other uses are contemplated and within the scope of the present invention.
The acoustical liner 10 includes a facing layer 12 that is highly breathable and fire-resistant rated. The facing layer faces the interior (passenger and/or cargo) region of the aircraft.
The facing 12 is preferably a high tenacity nylon 210 d fabric which has high strength and durability and light weight. The fire-resistant nylon may be a nylon coated with Alexium brand compound available from Alexium Inc. (or equivalent such as from P2i Inc.)
The second highly breathable layer 18 contacts a backing layer 20, which is designed to face or contact the airframe of an aircraft. The backing 20 is a highly breathable, fire-resistant rated material.
The other patent was granted in November 2013 and is entitled Protective Covers.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cover is treated with a FR (fire retardant) compound such as that compound manufactured by Alexium Inc. and provided by the Duro Company of Fall River, Mass., which prevents oxygen from getting into the nylon, thereby preventing the nylon from burning. When the material of the cover is treated with this compound, the material will melt, but not burn due to the treatment and the bonding technique. Meanwhile, the treated fabric remains breathable.
The Alexium brand product is unique in that is utilizes Reactive Surface Treatment (RST), utilizing microwave energy to direct a precursor's polymerization onto the substrate's (fabric's) surface. It then uses a gas plasma to introduce minute quantities of the chemical to be permanently bonded to the fabric, providing unique new fire retardant functions to the fabric without adversely impacting the fabric's inherent properties such as MVTR, Air permeability or overall weight. The Fire retardant chemistry is a new nano non-halogenated formulation that gives the fabric the desired self-extinguishing, no drip and no melt properties.
A link to Duro Textiles for those interested in some further research.
A little technical but interesting nonetheless in the context of the recent announcement.
Cheers
AJX Price at posting:
87.5¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
