DSM Dyneema, inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema^®, the world’s strongest fiber™, together with DoKaSch Air Cargo Equipment GmbH, has recently delivered a presentation on extensive new air cargo container material testing at the IATA IULDUG (International Air Transport Association Interline Unit Load Device User Group) Annual Meeting in Sydney, Australia.

These comprehensive tests address the aviation industry’s need for greater assurance and validation of material performance as it moves away from traditional aluminum to lightweight composite materials in the manufacture of air cargo equipment, or ULDs (Unit Load Devices), as part of the drive to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

The aviation industry demands adherence to carefully developed specifications and performance standards to assure safety and mitigate risk. DSM Dyneema argued that new composite materials therefore require responsible and extended testing by ULD suppliers, as they need to provide validation that lighter materials perform at least as well as aluminum over the lifetime of the ULD while simultaneously saving significant weight.

In the presentation, a comprehensive range of detailed and rigorous new tests, designed to be used in addition to NAS 3610 tests for ULDs, address weight determination; heavy impact resistance; bending; flammability; tensile strength; stiffness; outdoor stability; and heat deformation.

Testing has demonstrated the superior strength of composite panels made with Dyneema^® compared to industry standard aluminum while underlining the weight saving gains that can be achieved, resulting in lower fuel consumption, reduced cost and associated environmental benefits.

“These new tests, designed by DoKaSch with the support of DSM Dyneema, goes beyond today’s aviation test requirements. These tests have aided us to better predict the durability and robustness of air cargo containers made with new high-tech and non-metallic composite materials, said Chris Griffin, Global Sales Manager for Aerospace & Aviation, DSM Dyneema. “Achieving weight savings while not sacrificing safety,durability and performance is a priority issue for the industry and will help airlines in their drive to become more fuel efficient, cut emissions and save costs.”