Journal Article
Smooth Surface Composite Insulation Wiring
2012-10-22
2012-01-2242
The two primary wire construction types being used in military aircraft today are cross-linked Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (XL-ETFE) and composite fluoropolymer / polyimide tape wrap with an outer Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape wrap. These insulations offer significant improvements over earlier polyimide (MIL-DTL-81381) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) constructions but are not without drawbacks. XL-ETFE provides a low smoke, high fluid resistant, non-arc tracking insulation that is durable during installation and ground repair operations. However, durability and abrasion resistance are reduced at elevated temperatures, and maximum operating temperature peaks at 200 degrees Celsius. Composite insulation provides a more abrasion resistant solution with the inclusion of polyimide tape for hard surface chafe conditions and a PTFE outer layer that improves wear life during wire to wire contact.
