Silicone nanofilaments functionalized kapok fiber for aircraft insulation

A novel eco-friendly thermal insulation material for aircraft applications was developed from silicone nanofilament-functionalized kapok fiber nonwovens using a biodegradable polylactic acid binder. Kapok fibers, a renewable material extracted from Ceiba tree seed pods, were chosen due to their low density, good insulation, and natural origin. To make them suitable for aircraft insulation, the kapok fibers after removing the wax layer were consolidated with a bio-based polylactic acid binder into blankets, and silicone nanofilaments were immobilized on the surface of the fibers. This surface modification considerably improved the flame retardancy, reduced the water uptake, and improved the performance of the kapok-based insulation material. Therefore, this bio-sourced materials provide a viable alternative to state of the art aircraft insulation, reducing the carbon footprint without compromising on the essential performance and safety attributes. With further optimization of the manufacturing process and production to scale, this innovation offers a sustainable alternative to glass wool insulation materials currently dominating the aviation market.