When we think of the materials used to construct an airplane, we may picture metal, glass and perhaps even some carbon fiber.

However, there is an oft-overlooked material that plays a crucial role in the construction and functioning of modern aircraft: plastics.

1. Thermoplastics

Thermoplastics are commonly used in the aviation industry due to their lightweight yet durable nature. They are used for everything from housing components to interior design elements, with examples including:.

Seat and cabin components: Armrests, tray tables and overhead bins are often made of thermoplastic materials
Window shades: Pull-down shades found on passenger windows are typically crafted from thermoplastics
Moldings: Plastic moldings are often used on the aircraft exterior to protect against impact damage

2. Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP)

CFRP is a type of thermoplastic that is made with carbon strands interwoven within the material itself. This type of plastic has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making it the perfect choice for materials subjected to high levels of stress.

In aviation, this type of plastic is typically found in:.

Fuselage: sections of aircraft fuselage are often made of CFRP due to its high strength and lighter weight compared to traditional aluminum
Wings: Wing components, such as winglets, spoilers and flaps, are often made from CFRP for increased strength and durability
Powerplant components: Engine casings and turbine blades are frequently made of CFRP due to its strength and resistance to high temperatures

3. Phenolic plastics

Phenolic plastics are often used in the aerospace industry as insulation material due to their excellent resistance to heat. This type of plastic is commonly found in:.

Cockpit instruments: Phenolic plastics are used to insulate cockpit instruments against extreme temperatures and electrical interference
Cable insulation: wiring and cables throughout the aircraft are often insulated with this type of plastic due to its excellent electrical resistance and insulation properties
Interior elements: Components in the aircraft cabin, such as galley insulation and lavatory countertops, may be constructed of phenolic plastics

4. High-performance plastics

High-performance plastics are materials that have been engineered to withstand extreme environments, such as high temperatures and pressures. In the aviation industry, these types of plastics are often used in:.

Aircraft brakes: High-performance plastic composites are used in the construction of aircraft brake systems due to their resistance to high temperatures and wear
Lighting components: Certain lighting components, such as lenses and diffusers, may be made of high-performance plastics due to their light weight and heat resistance
Cabin components: Certain interior components, such as tray tables, armrests and seatbacks, may be made of high-performance plastics to provide durability and weight savings

5. Polyamide plastics

Polyamide plastics are a type of plastic that is commonly used in the construction of aircraft interiors. This type of plastic is lightweight and has excellent structural properties, making it ideal for use in:.

Storage bins: Overhead storage bins are often built with polyamide plastics due to their light weight and ability to withstand impact forces
Interior components: Cabin components such as armrests and tray tables may also be constructed of polyamide plastics due to their strength and light weight

6. Polyetherimide plastics

Polyetherimide plastics are a type of plastic that is known for its excellent resistance to high temperatures and flame. In aviation, this type of plastic is commonly used in:.

Cockpit components: Certain cockpit components, such as switch panels and control knobs, may be made from polyetherimide plastics due to their durability and resistance to heat and flame
Interior components: Certain interior components, such as tray tables and armrests, may be constructed of polyetherimide plastics as well to provide durability and flame resistance

7. Phenolic resins

Phenolic resins are a type of synthetic polymer that is characterized by its excellent heat resistance and insulation properties. This type of plastic is commonly found in:.

Cockpit instruments: Phenolic resins are used in the construction of cockpit instruments due to their excellent insulation properties and resistance to high temperatures
Electronics: Circuit boards and other electronic components may be constructed using phenolic resins due to their insulation properties and resistance to heat and electrical interference
Structural components: Certain structural components, such as fairings and wing surfaces, may be coated with phenolic resins to provide increased heat resistance and durability

8. Polycarbonate plastics

Polycarbonate plastics are a type of plastic that is known for its excellent impact resistance and clarity. This type of plastic is commonly used in aviation for:.

Windshields: Aircraft windshields are often made of polycarbonate plastics due to their high strength and impact resistance, as well as their clarity and ability to withstand extreme temperatures
Cabin windows: Cabin windows are sometimes constructed of polycarbonate plastics, as well, due to their strength and durability
Interior components: Certain interior components, such as overhead bins and privacy dividers, may be made of polycarbonate plastics for increased durability and impact resistance

9. Polyester plastics

Polyester plastics are a type of plastic that is commonly used in the aviation industry for their high strength-to-weight ratio and durability. In aviation, this type of plastic is often used in:.

Furniture components: Certain furniture components in the aircraft cabin, such as armrests and tray tables, may be made of polyester plastics due to their durability and weight savings
Interior design elements: Certain interior design elements, such as decorative moldings and panels, may be constructed of polyester plastics as well to provide strength and durability