Fire-and electromagnetic interference (emi)-resistant aircraft components and methods for manufacturing the same

Abstract

Fire- and electromagnetic interference (EMI)-resistant aircraft components and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. A fire-and EMI-resistant aircraft component includes an article comprised of a polymeric material. A fire-retardant material layer overlies the article. A thermally and electrically conductive coating material layer is disposed intermediate the article and the fire-retardant material layer. Optionally, at least one continuous electrically conductive element is integrated with the polymeric material of the article.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fire-and EMI-resistant aircraft component comprising:
 an article comprised of a polymeric material;   a fire-retardant material layer overlying the article;   a conductive coating material layer intermediate the article and the fire-retardant material layer; and   optionally, at least one continuous electrically conductive element integrated with the polymeric material of the article.   
     
     
         2 . The fire and EMI-resistant aircraft component of  claim 1 , wherein the article includes the at least one continuous electrically conductive element comprising an electrically conductive filament integrated with the polymeric material. 
     
     
         3 . The fire and EMI-resistant aircraft component of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one continuous electrically conductive element comprises a material selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminum, alloys thereof, brass, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The fire and EMI-resistant aircraft component of  claim 1 , wherein the conductive coating material layer is comprised of a metal selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminum, alloys thereof, brass, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The fire and EMI-resistant aircraft component of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one continuous electrically conductive element extends from a first end of the article to a second end of the article to provide a conduction path through the article. 
     
     
         6 . The fire and EMI-resistant aircraft component of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one continuous electrically conductive element is in a spiral form. 
     
     
         7 . The fire and EMI-resistant aircraft component of  claim 1 , wherein the fire-retardant material is selected from the group consisting of a nickel-based alloy or superalloy, a ferrous-based alloy, a cobalt-based alloy, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The fire and EMI-resistant aircraft component of  claim 1 , wherein the conductive coating material layer is applied locally to portions of the article. 
     
     
         9 . A fire-and EMI-resistant aircraft component comprising:
 an article comprised of a polymeric material having a first end and a second end;   a fire-retardant material layer overlying the article;   a conductive coating material layer intermediate the article and the fire-retardant material layer; and   at least one continuous electrically conductive filament integrated within the polymeric material of the article that extends through the article from the first end to the second end to provide a conduction path through the article.   
     
     
         10 . The fire and EMI-resistant aircraft component of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one continuous electrically conductive element comprises a material selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminum, alloys thereof, brass, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The fire and EMI-resistant aircraft component of  claim 9 , wherein the conductive coating material layer is comprised of a metal selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminum, alloys thereof, brass, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         12 . The fire and EMI-resistant aircraft component of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one continuous electrically conductive element is in a spiral form. 
     
     
         13 . The fire and EMI-resistant aircraft component of  claim 9 , wherein the fire-retardant material is selected from the group consisting of a nickel-based alloy or superalloy, a ferrous-based alloy, a cobalt-based alloy, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         14 . The fire and EMI-resistant aircraft component of  claim 9 , wherein the article is an inlet duct. 
     
     
         15 . The fire and EMI-resistant aircraft component of  claim 9 , wherein the conductive coating material layer is applied locally to portions of the article. 
     
     
         16 . A fire-and EMI-resistant aircraft component comprising:
 an article comprised of a polymeric material having a first end and a second end;   a fire-retardant material layer overlying the article;   a conductive coating material layer intermediate the article and the fire-retardant material layer, the conductive coating material layer applied locally to portions of the article; and   at least one continuous electrically conductive filament integrated within the polymeric material of the article that extends through the article from the first end to the second end to provide a conduction path through the article.   
     
     
         17 . The fire and EMI-resistant aircraft component of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one continuous electrically conductive element comprises a material selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminum, alloys thereof, brass, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         18 . The fire and EMI-resistant aircraft component of  claim 16 , wherein the conductive coating material layer is comprised of a metal selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminum, alloys thereof, brass, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         19 . The fire and EMI-resistant aircraft component of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one continuous electrically conductive element is in a spiral form. 
     
     
         20 . The fire and EMI-resistant aircraft component of  claim 16 , wherein the fire-retardant material is selected from the group consisting of a nickel-based alloy or superalloy, a ferrous-based alloy, a cobalt-based alloy, and combinations thereof.