Boltaron 9815E PVC/acrylic thermoplastic alloy offers greater impact resistance than competitive 65/65-rated sheets made from the same resins, making it an ideal material from which to thermoform high-performance interior components of commercial, military and private aircraft, according to Adam Mellen, director at the product's supplier Boltaron (Newcomerstown, OH).

The sheet exhibits Izod impact resistance of 5.0 ft lbs/in (265 J/m), compared with 3.0 ft lbs/in (159 J/m) for alternative 65/65-compliant sheet, significantly improving the durability of aircraft interiors. It is also said to offer other exceptional physical properties, extreme formability and inclusion-free surface quality.

Typical applications include class dividers, dashboard enclosures, galley and lavatory components, video screen bezels, personal service units, seat parts, sidewall panels, tray tables, window shades, air ducts, bulkhead laminates, light housings, window reveals and moldings.

The sheet is offered in unlimited colors and in seven surface textures, in lengths to 120 in. (3,048 mm), widths to 48 in. (1,524 mm), thicknesses from .040 to .250 in. (1.02 to 6.35 mm) and in custom blank sizes.

"Sheet products developed to meet the stringent 65/65 fire rating must typically sacrifice impact resistance to do so, but the 9815E sheet retains outstanding impact qualities compared with competitive 65/65-rated material," says Mellen. The OSU 65/65 heat-release standard devised by Ohio State University and used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restricts the allowable rates of heat release for materials used in aircraft applications.-[email protected]