Partnering for a Superior Passenger Experience

In a previous post, we discussed Chemical Compatibility with Thermoplastics in the aerospace industry, with a focus on commercial aviation and our test methods and results. Now, we want to expand on the issue to explore the suppliers we have worked with to ensure our end users (airlines) have access to the best combination of components and cleaning products to provide their customers with a superior passenger experience and to ensure component/system reliability.

Several suppliers to the aerospace industry have worked with us to ensure that our cleaning chemicals are compatible with their aircraft materials and components. We have worked with Recaro, Sekisui SPI, Boeing, Embraer, Rockwell Collins, and Lonseal, among others. Our testing evaluated both the structural and visual impact our cleaning chemicals had (if any) on the various thermoplastic components (see previous post on testing for a detailed explanation of our methods).

• RECARO – testing focused on their thermoplastic seat backs, tray tables, and arm rests. The results confirmed that there was no noticeable staining/discoloration or cracking/crazing of the plastic.
  
  
• SEKISUI SPI – testing focused on their KYDEX® brand of thermoplastics, which make up tray tables, premium seating components, etc. in aircraft interiors. The results confirmed that there was no noticeable staining/discoloration or cracking/crazing of the plastic.
  
  
• BOEING – testing focused on Boeing Sky Interiors and components. The results confirmed that there was no noticeable staining/discoloration or cracking/crazing of the plastic.
  
  
• EMBRAER – testing focused on business jet wood veneer components. The results confirmed that there was no noticeable staining/discoloration, gloss change, or cracking/crazing of the surfaces.
  
  
• ROCKWELL COLLINS – testing focused on arm rest audio components. The results confirmed that there was no observed damage to electronics or component surfaces.
  
  
• LONSEAL® – testing was performed on a selection of flooring options that have a thermoplastic makeup represented across their product line. The results confirmed that there was no noticeable staining/discoloration of the flooring material.
  
  

When the staining issue first appeared a decade ago, our chemists worked to reformulate our products into new and improved, non-reactive versions. Through extensive research and development, we have been able to provide highly effective cleaning chemicals, that are fully compatible with the thermoplastic components used within aircraft. All so that our customers, and the customers of our partners in this research, can rest assured that when they use a Celeste cleaning chemical, they know it won’t discolor or weaken their plastic components.