Aerospace Plastics Market to reach US$ 75mn by 2025

Ongoing modernization programs for existing aircraft fleet to enhance airplane design & materials used for construction coupled with an upsurge in aircraft deliveries across the globe will propel the aerospace plastics market penetration over the forecast period. Growing demand for lightweight, next-generation, and fuel-efficient aircraft are significantly increasing the adoption of plastics for multiple aerospace applications. The contribution of plastics to lower down aircraft weight contributes significantly towards improving efficiency and lower emissions.

The increasing usage of plastics in aerospace components can also be attributed to the benefits offered including superior protection from ultraviolet radiation, moisture, and elevated temperature. Additionally, advanced engineered plastic such as Polyetherketoneketone (PEEK) offer a wide range of features including thermal stability, flame retardancy, and chemical resistance, thereby boosting the market share. However, aircraft components manufactured with plastic are hard to examine for flaws, resulting into quality variations, thereby hampering the aerospace plastics market size.

Stringent regulatory norms are mandating reduction of carbon emissions from aircraft and improving efficiency, thereby encouraging aerospace participants to significantly increase the usage of plastics.

The superior design flexibility and higher degree of freedom are some of the major benefits offered by the plastics, that are significantly boosting the aerospace plastics market share. Moreover, the higher modulus of elasticity along with lower material weight compared to other metals including steel and aluminium makes it ideal for designing multiple aerospace components, thereby escalating the industry share.

Advancements in manufacturing technologies along with the proliferation of 3D printing techniques are providing a positive outlook for the aerospace plastics market expansion. The 3D printing of parts enables for fewer tooling changes, reduced production time, and improves efficiency significantly. Aircraft manufacturers are continuously investing in 3D printing technologies for manufacturing their aircraft. For instance, in 2015, Boeing filed a patent associated with the 3D printing of replacement aircraft parts.

Industry participants are focusing on manufacturing aircraft parts that meet the stringent smoke, toxicity, and flame requirements as set by multiple regulatory bodies including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Additionally, advancements in plastic technologies that enhances the previous limits of torque handling, gear drive, and load bearing capabilities in aerospace sector are further expanding the aerospace plastics market penetration over the projected timeframe.

Military aircraft will showcase a considerable growth in the aerospace plastics market owing to rising defines expenditure and increasing security concerns across the globe. Higher adoption of plastic in military aircraft can be credited to its requirement for offering effective insulation from radar. Moreover, the provision for zero conductivity along with the significant weight reductions are positively influencing the segment growth. Moreover, the US Department of Defence is continuously developing aerospace plastics materials for improving horizontal and vertical agility of aircrafts during combat missions.

Window & windshields accounted for a considerable share in the aerospace plastics market size owing to prevention of glass layers shattering in windows with the utilization of durable and chemical resistant plastic. Additionally, the windshields also offer reduced reflectivity and offers passengers to regulate light and heat transmission flow to the interiors, thereby supporting the segment expansion. Rising MRO activities along with replacement of ageing components with advanced plastics are expected to boost the segment size.

Linefit will account for the majority revenue share in the aerospace plastics market share over the study timeframe. Increasing aircraft production across the globe are positively influencing the segment share. Moreover, the capability of replacing metal machined aircraft parts with reduced design changes are boosting the segment size. The longer service life coupled with lower maintenance requirements are further encouraging aircraft manufacturers to incorporate plastic materials in aircraft.

North America will account for the highest volume share in the aerospace plastics market size. The presence of multiple manufacturers focusing on developing fuel-efficient aircraft are further boosting the regional share. Moreover, rising fuel costs along with stringent regulatory norms are further encouraging players to incorporate plastics in aircrafts. Aircraft manufacturers are developing customized plastic manufacturing processes for improving their margins and increase profitability. For instance, in 2019, Northrop Grumman was granted a patent associated with aerospace composite 3D printing process based on a fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology.

Few of the major players in the aerospace plastics market size includes Saint Gobain, Ensinger, SABIC, Victrex, Drake Plastics, BASF SE, Solvay, and Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials. Industry players are engaged in mergers & acquisitions along with newer product launches for expanding their market share.

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