To ensure aircraft materials function exactly as intended, aviation regulations cover all facets of product design, manufacturing, and installation. Failure to meet these technical and legal standards increases the risk of operational failure, making qualified manufacturers indispensable to safe and efficient air transportation.

Aircraft textiles are integral to protecting aircraft from a range of intense operating and environmental conditions, such as:

  • Extreme temperatures and high/low pressures
  • Rapid temperature and pressure fluctuations
  • Noise abatement
  • Protection from flame
  • Frequent mechanical strain

Tex Tech is a global leader in aircraft textile research and development. We apply over 100 years of experience to ensure our products meet all necessary regulations for quality, reliability, and safety. Our textile design experts develop proven solutions for the most specialized and demanding applications in numerous types of aircraft.

Phone: 207.756.8606 | Email: info@textechindustries.com | Web: www.textechindustries.com Fuselage Protection Escape Slides and Rafts Thermal Acoustic Moisture Control Cabin-Divider Linings Seat Fire Blocking Air Cargo Containers Carpet Underlays Safety Vest Fuselage skin temperatures can range between –60°F when in flight to 160°F when parked in direct sunlight, threatening the cabin’s internal temperature. Materials designed to meet Radiant Panel and vertical flame requirements. Fuselage Protection: In addition to thermal- and acoustic-insulating functions, thermal acoustic materials must protect against fire and other incidents. The prevalence of insulation makes it a target for in-flight fire ignition, and flammable insulation can act as a path for flame propagation and growth. Thermal Acoustic: To prevent “rain in the plane”, where water drips on passengers or electrical systems, aircrafts are designed with systems to manage moisture. A key component of that system is a specially designed flame retardant felt that collects and evaporates moisture. This felt is adhered to collection areas including ceiling panels, stowage bins, and any structural penetrations. Moisture Control: These insulating materials ensure that external temperature changes do not negatively affect the passengers’ comfort and that excessive noise generated by the aircraft does not disrupt communication in the passenger cabin and on the flight deck. Cabin-Divider Linings: Fabrics designed for use as a fire blocking layer in aircraft seating, that are typically used between the outer dress cover and foam core. Designed to meet flammability require- ments of FAR 25.853-1. Seat Fire Blocking: Flame resistant materials designed to allow Lithium batteries to be loaded into Unit Load Device (ULD) shipping containers. Air Cargo Containers: Materials used under the aircraft’s carpet to provide a plush feel, improve acoustical insulation, and enhanced flame protection. Meets 14 CFR 25.853(a) requirements for 12 second vertical burn. Carpet Underlays: TexTech manufactures urethane laminated nylon fabrics that are used in single and dual cell life vests. The fabric conforms to the requirements necessary for the FAA TSO C13 specification as well as USCG approved vests. Safety Vest: Tex Tech utilizes urethane fabrics for use in evacuation slides and FAA rafts. Materials are designed to be weldable, air holding, and durable to meet the critical requirements of aviation safety systems. Escape Slides and Rafts:

Aircraft Textile Challenges

Proper design and manufacture of aircraft textiles require strict control over all facets of production. The materials must fulfill very specific functions and meet numerous regulatory standards. These needs create a wide range of design and quality control challenges.

Regulations and Certifications

Regulations that control the design and construction of aircraft materials are developed by several organizations, including:

Although these intersecting standards can be quite complex, they prove vital to creating a safe environment and helping aircraft manufacturers meet important performance standards.

Quality and Safety

Aircraft textiles for private, commercial, or military use cannot pose a risk to the health and well-being of passengers and personnel. All aircraft materials and products must undergo rigorous safety and quality assurance tests based on relevant specifications and standards.

Performance Standards

The aircraft textiles must also withstand harsh operating conditions, as described above. Generally, the materials must be durable and withstand heavy wear. In some applications, such as seating materials, aircraft textiles must be able to fulfill emergency functions like fire suppression.

Weight Requirements

In recent years, the aviation industry has leveled its focus on boosting fuel economy. As aircraft manufacturers continually seek new ways to decrease weight, they frequently choose materials with high strength-to-weight ratios whenever possible.

Types of Aircraft Textiles

There are many types of aircraft textiles, each carrying a range of important properties suited for particular applications.

Non-Woven Aircraft Textiles

Non-woven materials are the result of mechanically, chemically, or thermally bonded fibers or filaments, which create a porous, web-like sheet. There are many non-woven materials offering several key advantages, such as:

  • High electrical and thermal resistance
  • Fire retardancy
  • Noise abatement
  • Impact resistance
  • Liquid repellency

The benefits of non-woven materials make them suitable for various aircraft functions, including acoustic insulation, carpet underlayment, moisture absorbent, and fire barriers.

Woven Aircraft Textiles

Woven materials involve weaving a variety of yarns into certain weave structures to create unique performance characteristics. Refrasil® materials can be used in many applications where flame and heat protection are necessary.

Coated & Laminated Aircraft Textiles

Coating and lamination treatments can enhance a textile’s physical and mechanical properties. Coating and laminating life vests, life rafts, and evacuation slides, for example, improve the materials’ air and water impermeability.

Tex Tech Solutions for the Aviation Industry

We deliver a broad range of products and services to help our partners in the aviation industry find the right solution for their material challenges. These include especially:

  • Fire-blocking materials for aircraft seating that strike an ideal balance between durability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Tex Tech’s custom fire-blocking textiles are used in business class, first class, economy, and crew seating. Through extensive testing, we ensure our fire retardant materials meet or surpass all necessary standards and regulations.
  • Thermal acoustic materials that simultaneously control an aircraft’s temperature and noise levels. Our insulation/sound-dampening materials are essential to improving comfort and safety for passengers and personnel alike.
  • Coating and lamination services that enhance the reliability of life vests, life rafts, evacuation slides, and other emergency products required on aircraft. Our urethane-laminated nylon textiles are specially designed for these applications.

Tex Tech: Your Partner & Expert for Aircraft Textile Needs

Since 1904, we’ve been developing and delivering innovative textile solutions for a wide range of industrial challenges. Tex Tech holds numerous patents for aircraft textiles, including:

We’re always looking for new ways to serve our clients’ evolving needs, including those in the commercial aviation industry. To learn more about our advanced textile products and services, contact us or request a quote today.