Abstract: In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for making an inorganic thermoset resin, the method comprising: (a) mixing SiO2, H2O and a metallic hydroxide for generating an alkaline aqueous solution with pH from 10 to 14 comprising a metallic silicate, wherein said metallic hydroxide generates a first metallic oxide in the aqueous solution, (b) adding aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and silicon oxide (SiO2) to the alkaline aqueous solution comprising a metallic silicate generated in step (a) and (c) adding halloysite nanotubes (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) to the solution generated in step (b). The present disclosure further provides an inorganic thermoset resin obtainable by the method as defined in the first aspect of the disclosure.

Abstract: A method for a curing cycle of an inorganic thermoset resin, the method comprising: (a) adding a hardener in a concentration from 18 to 30% by weight of the resin to said inorganic thermoset resin and (b) curing the resin at a temperature from 110 to 120° C. An inorganic thermoset resin, comprising a hardener in a concentration from 18 to 30% by weight of the resin. A vehicle interior panel, comprising a composite comprising a composite matrix of a natural fibre set within an inorganic thermoset resin.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for making an inorganic thermoset resin, the method comprising: (a) mixing SiO2, H2O and a metallic hydroxide for generating an alkaline aqueous solution with pH from 10 to 14 comprising a metallic silicate, wherein said metallic hydroxide generates a first metallic oxide in the aqueous solution, (b) adding aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and silicon oxide (SiO2) to the alkaline aqueous solution comprising a metallic silicate generated in step (a) and (c) adding halloysite nanotubes (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) to the solution generated in step (b). The present disclosure further provides an inorganic thermoset resin obtainable by the method as defined in the first aspect of the disclosure.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for making an inorganic thermoset resin, the method comprising: (a) mixing SiO2, H2O and a metallic hydroxide for generating an alkaline aqueous solution with pH from 10 to 14 comprising a metallic silicate, wherein said metallic hydroxide generates a first metallic oxide in the aqueous solution, (b) adding aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and silicon oxide (SiO2) to the alkaline aqueous solution comprising a metallic silicate generated in step (a) and (c) adding halloysite nanotubes (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) to the solution generated in step (b). The present disclosure further provides an inorganic thermoset resin obtainable by the method as defined in the first aspect of the disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method of manufacturing an aircraft interior panel comprising a core sandwiched between first and second skins, wherein both of the first and second skins are formed from natural fibers containing non-halogenated fire-retardant and set within an inorganic thermoset resin, thereby forming a fire-resistant sustainable aircraft interior panel. The method comprises impregnating the natural fibers with non-halogenated fire retardant and an inorganic thermoset resin, and laying up the resin-impregnated natural fibers to sandwich the core. This stack is then cured by raising the temperature of the stack sufficient to initiate curing but without reaching the boiling point of water in the stack, holding the stack at that first temperature before raising the temperature again to reach the boiling point of water in the stack, before cooling the stack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sandwich panels used as aircraft interior parts. In addition to provide a finishing function, the sandwich panels need to have certain mechanical properties and have sufficient fire resistance to retard the spread of fire within the vehicle interior. The present invention provides an aircraft interior panel with skins comprising natural fiber reinforced composites based either on an inorganic thermoset resin or a thermoplastic resin. Such panels provide the required flame and heat resistance, allow easy recycling and disposal, are cheaper and offer significant weight savings over conventional sandwich panels.

Abstract: A method for a curing cycle of an inorganic thermoset resin, the method comprising: (a) adding a hardener in a concentration from 18 to 30% by weight of the resin to said inorganic thermoset resin and (b) curing the resin at a temperature from 110 to 120° C. An inorganic thermoset resin, comprising a hardener in a concentration from 18 to 30% by weight of the resin. A vehicle interior panel, comprising a composite comprising a composite matrix of a natural fibre set within an inorganic thermoset resin.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for making an inorganic thermoset resin, the method comprising: (a) mixing SiO2, H2O and a metallic hydroxide for generating an alkaline aqueous solution with pH from 10 to 14 comprising a metallic silicate, wherein said metallic hydroxide generates a first metallic oxide in the aqueous solution, (b) adding aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and silicon oxide (SiO2) to the alkaline aqueous solution comprising a metallic silicate generated in step (a) and (c) adding halloysite nanotubes (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) to the solution generated in step (b). The present disclosure further provides an inorganic thermoset resin obtainable by the method as defined in the first aspect of the disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fire resistant sustainable sandwich panels comprising a thermoplastic foam core in between outer skins made of natural fibres set within a natural thermoset biopolymer. The sandwich panels are provided with a fire resistant protective coating on an outer surface. This surface may be the surface facing the cabin when installed in an aircraft interior. Such fire resistant sustainable panels provide the required flame and heat resistance, have a high strength-to-weight ratio, low maintenance costs and are generally easily installed. Furthermore, the fire resistant sustainable sandwich panels allow easy recycling and are cheaper than conventional sandwich panels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method of manufacturing an aircraft interior panel comprising a core sandwiched between first and second skins, wherein both of the first and second skins are formed from natural fibres containing non-halogenated fire-retardant and set within an inorganic thermoset resin, thereby forming a fire-resistant sustainable aircraft interior panel. The method comprises impregnating the natural fibres with non-halogenated fire retardant and an inorganic thermoset resin, and laying up the resin-impregnated natural fibres to sandwich the core. This stack is then cured by raising the temperature of the stack sufficient to initiate curing but without reaching the boiling point of water in the stack, holding the stack at that first temperature before raising the temperature again to reach the boiling point of water in the stack, before cooling the stack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sandwich panels used as aircraft interior parts. In addition to provide a finishing function, the sandwich panels need to have certain mechanical properties and have sufficient fire resistance to retard the spread of fire within the vehicle interior. The present invention provides an aircraft interior panel with skins comprising natural fibre reinforced composites based either on an inorganic thermoset resin or a thermoplastic resin. Such panels provide the required flame and heat resistance, allow easy recycling and disposal, are cheaper and offer significant weight savings over conventional sandwich panels.