Aerospace Elastomers

AEROSPACE innovation, research and development, has about it an imperative factor. First is the constant striving for optimum safety, performance, comfort and the need, where appropriate, to compete effectively in the military segment. Further, when we refer to innovation within the aerospace concept, we mean true innovation rather than something tacked on to a component as an appendage, to satisfy fad or fashion. Sharper turns, longer range, higher ceilings and enhanced fire‐power result from authentic innovations; on a less dramatic plane, so does the prolongation of the life of the component — an imperative factor in relation to cost effectiveness. In an earlier article we outlined the contribution made by coatings to the protection of aerospace components and now we intend to similarly cover sister elements under the general head‐ing of ‘elastomers.’