Arkema and Hexcel complete the first aeronautical structure made of thermoplastic composites

Abstract

On March 7, 2024, Arkema announced it had completed the first aeronautical structure made of thermoplastic composites. This was a result from the strategic partnership between Hexcel and Arkema. The high-performance thermoplastic composite structure was designed and manufactured using HexPly® thermoplastic tapes. These aerospace-grade materials are developed from Arkema's Kepstan® PEKK resin and Hexcel HexTow® AS7 and IM7 carbon fibers. The demonstrator project was carried out as part of the collaborative project known as HAICoPAS.