Film made from Solvay high-performance Halar ECTFE with additional plasma treatment offers excellent adhesion to composite substrates providing superior aesthetic surface aspects to perfectly blend with its surroundings. The company has signed an agreement with Safran to supply Halar ECTFE high performance film for its “leap” (leading edge aviation propulsion) engine acoustic panels.

Solvay’s Halar ECTFE, a partially fluorinated semi-crystalline polymer, is used as a protective layer on the engine acoustic ring panel against the aggression of the harsh environment typical of the entrance of an aircraft engine. It is strong and tough and its resistance to erosion, abrasion, and aircraft chemicals and fluids make it ideal for this application.

“Solvay is a longstanding and trusted partner of Safran, delivering advanced composite material solutions for both our aircraft engines and nacelle programs,” said Thierry Haud, Vice-President Safran Purchasing, Safran. “The supply agreement for Solvay’s high-performance thermoplastic film extends our mutual collaboration and further consolidates the relationship between us as we enlarge our cutting-edge portfolio of materials, techniques and processes.”

Solvay’s Halar ECTFE film retains its properties over a broad range of temperatures, displaying particularly outstanding impact resistance at low temperature. It has demonstrated excellent erosion properties, extreme UV radiation resistance and can be considered as an excellent barrier to water vapour, oxygen and other small gas molecules. It is also lightweight and durable and meets stringent aerospace industry requirements regarding fire and burn-through resistance due to its inherent flame retardancy.