This news article was originally written in Spanish. It has been automatically translated for your convenience. Reasonable efforts have been made to provide an accurate translation, however, no automated translation is perfect nor is it intended to replace a human translator. The original article in Spanish can be viewed at Un nuevo material más ligero para un mayor ahorro en el consumo de combustible

20% Less weight than standard silicone rubber materials

A new lighter material for greater savings in fuel consumption

Drafting Interempresas09/07/2013

The group Icon Polymer, technology company dedicated to the engineering of polymers products, has given a push to designers seeking to minimize the weight of the aircraft and fuel consumption with the launch of a revolutionary and innovative lighter material for the boards of airplanes.

With a reduction of the weight around 20% in comparison with standard silicone rubber materials, low specific gravity ICONlite silica is capable of maintaining the unique mechanical and chemical properties that make a material suitable for aircraft aerodynamic gaskets silicone rubber.

Based on a patented technology thanks to which hybrid polymers have a wide range of attributes of performance, ICONlite reflects the advancement in the field of the light boards. This material allows even adjust varying densities according to the requirements of the platform.

This material is reduced about 20% of weight compared to standard silicone rubber materials.

According to research carried out by the own Icon Polymer, estimated that in an application a total of 5 billion US $ in fuel, would save the region taking into account that ICONlite joints allow a saving up to 240 kg in a flight of 700,000 hours.

Icon Polymer is a provider for global sectors of aviation, military and civilian, with clients such as Airbus, Bombardier and Gulfstream.

Tim Pryce, CEO of Icon Polymer group, explained the following: "the unique structure of silicone rubber ensures consistent performance in a wide range of temperatures and excellent environmental resistance, therefore, over the years this material has become the choice of those responsible for establishing the specifications of seals".

"However, aware of more and more importance is given to reduce the weight of the aircraft and thus fuel consumption, our team of engineers has used his extensive knowledge in these materials to create a lighter solution without compromising the performance", adding that "the potential savings is incredible and we have already spoken with several global leading manufacturers and suppliers of first level on the integration of ICONlite products in their" designs".

One of the innovative solutions of polymers and elastomers Icon Polymer Engineering, suppliers are applying this technology focus electrically and thermally conductive polymers of elasticity variable, thus presenting a greater selection of technologies to aerospace engineers. The company offers a complete service, from the innovative design and production at competitive prices to a global, efficient and expert customer service.