Sustainable Aerospace Seatback

* This six-month project will enable the development of a recycled carbon fibre and bio resin sustainable aerospace passenger seatback, which is fully FST compliant and passes 16g, prior to a pilot production run in its next development phase. This will be an enabler in the ambition for a carbon neutral narrow body commercial aircraft which Airbus are planning on entering into service in 2035\.
* This project will demonstrate how recycled carbon fibre can be utilised in a structural interior component. The development will include adaptations of non-woven carbon felt matting and the production of a unidirectional carbon fibre material 'sliver' which is capable of achieving the necessary structural load bearing requirements of a 16g crash-tested seatback. A new sustainable bio resin, novel impregnation methods, automation of the lofting process and nesting and efficient cutting of the dry cloth prior to impregnation will allow for any waste to be directly returned to produce new dry cloth.
* The aerospace industry need sustainable solutions to enable them to recover from the pandemic. Aircraft manufacturers are looking to commission new energy-efficient planes rather than attempt to refurbish an existing fleet, with safety, lightweighting, and fuel saving as the main drivers. The post COVID-19 passenger of tomorrow will not only be expecting a hygienic and modern interior environment, made possible in part through the use of composite materials, but will be much more knowledgeable about environmental concerns. To attract a new customer base and win back previous clients, airlines will need to demonstrate their commitment to both a COVID secure environment and a sustainable environmental policy.