Ciba Specialty Chemicals, Performance Polymers Division, has been a leading supplier of materials to the aerospace industry for the fabrication, repair and assembly of interior and exterior aircraft components for many years. Araldite(R), Epibond(R) and Epocast(R) epoxy adhesives, syntactics and laminating resins in addition to Uralane(R), polyurethane adhesives have long been associated with quality, reliability and innovative chemistry. The majority of these systems are qualified to aircraft manufacturer's specifications and are included as approved repair materials in structural repair manuals and service bulletins. Many of the adhesives, syntactics and laminating resins are self-extinguishing and exhibit the low flame, smoke and toxicity (FST) characteristics required to comply with industry legislation such as FAR (Federal Aviation Regulation) 25.853 which governs the requirements for materials used in aircraft interior applications. The aim of this paper is to review a number of newly developed Ciba materials for repair and maintenance with a specific emphasis on technical performance and novel methods of application which can increase cost effectiveness and reduce labour when compared to conventional methods. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
