SABIC Innovative Plastics’ Revolutionary New Carbon-Fiber-Filled Ultem* Resin is 50% Lighter, 40% Stronger vs. Aluminum for Aircraft Interior Parts

Published May 18, 2010

HAMBURG, Germany — May 18, 2010 — Weight reduction for both fuel and systems cost savings remains a long-haul strategy for the airline industry, and has opened up another major development opportunity for SABIC Innovative Plastics and its customers. The company has created a new high-performance compound based on aerospace carbon fiber technology coupled with Ultem* polyetherimide (PEI) resin, creating a space-age solution to replace heavier airline-grade die-cast and machined aluminum for aircraft interior components, slashing weight by up to 50 percent. Vaupell, a global contract manufacturer of custom injection-molded components and assemblies with 60 years of experience, is working with SABIC Innovative Plastics to validate the new Ultem resin materials in aircraft tray table arm components.