SABIC Launches Thermoformable LEXANTM Sheet for Outstanding Flame-Smoke-Toxicity Performance, Opacity in Aircraft Window Shades

Pittsfield, MA, September 28, 2012 --(PR.com)-- To help global aerospace customers comply with increasingly stringent standards for flame-smoke-toxicity (FST) performance of interior aircraft components, SABIC’s Innovative Plastics business today introduced new next-generation LEXAN™ XHR 5000 (extremely low heat release) sheet for aircraft window shades. On display here at the Aircraft Interiors Show in SABIC’s booth #828, LEXAN XHR 5000 sheet is designed for multi-layer window shade systems requiring advanced FST properties and opacity. Not only does this industry-leading solution meet demanding safety requirements, it also helps improve comfort in the cabin environment with a high-quality appearance and enhanced room-darkening properties. SABIC’s ongoing investment in advanced materials technologies for the aerospace sector demonstrates the company’s commitment to helping aircraft OEM customers meet toughening regulations, greatly expand thermoforming design options, improve aesthetics and heighten the consumer flying experience.

“There’s no question that SABIC ranks among the top in the worldwide aircraft sector with exceptional high-performance materials that comply with the toughest safety requirements and deliver critically important benefits,” said Jack Govers, general manager, Specialty Film & Sheet, SABIC. “The new availability of LEXAN XHR sheet can help our aerospace customers solve their most pressing FST, design and performance needs and marks the debut of a new industry standard that will clearly make major contributions to the future of aircraft interior design.”

Improving Cabin Safety and Comfort

Testing by an independent laboratory demonstrated that thermoformable LEXAN XHR 5000 sheet complies with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) flammability requirements under the FAR 25.853 regulation, and smoke density and heat release requirements under the Ohio State University (OSU) 65/65 standard. This material meets the following requirements:
· Vertical burn test – FAR 25.853 (a) Appendix F Part I (60 Sec. Vertical Burn)
· Heat release – (OSU 65/65) and FAR 25.853 (d) Appendix F Part IV
· Smoke density – FAR 25.853 (d) Appendix F Part V
· Toxicity requirements – Boeing BSS7239, Airbus ABD0031

Supplied as a white-pigmented cap layer over a black base, LEXAN XHR 5000 sheet is engineered as a robust yet lightweight substrate to be laminated with decorative films and then thermoformed.