In the aerospace, defence and aviation sectors, every application requires materials that guarantee extreme performance, constant safety and resistance to critical environments.
Silicones for aerospace and defence are one of the most versatile and reliable solutions for meeting these challenges, particularly Dow silicones, which stand out for their quality, durability and ability to support innovation in the most complex application contexts.
Why choose silicones for the aerospace and defence sector
Silicones are unique materials, naturally stable over a wide range of temperatures (-115°C / +260°C), resistant to ozone, moisture and other environmental agents. In addition, they have mechanical properties that are ideal for alleviating stress and vibration:
- elastic modulus between 0.01 and 10 MPa
- Dimensional stability
- Ability to absorb shock and deformation.
Dow develops tailor-made solutions for the aerospace and defence sector, addressing any challenge with chemical precision and performance. This know-how translates into a complete range of certified products, already used in critical missions and validated according to standards such as MIL-SPEC, UL and ASTM E595.
| Product family | Features and benefits |
| Adhesives, sealants and foams |
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| Coatings, gels and encapsulants |
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| Liquid silicone rubbers (LSR) |
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| Optically transparent materials |
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| Thermal interface and electrically conductive materials |
|
Key applications: aerospace, defence and aviation
Aircraft, helicopters and drones
Proven solution
Piloted aircraft, helicopters and drones require materials that can provide reliable environmental sealing, structural bonding, thermal management and EMI protection. Whether fixed-wing or rotary-wing, fuel-powered or battery-powered, performance must be high and consistent, especially for the most critical electronic components. Added to this are the stringent safety standards required for the aeronautical sector.
To meet these needs, Dow offers multi-purpose and solvent-resistant fluorosilicone sealants that guarantee reliable performance even in the most demanding conditions. DOWSIL™ adhesives, foams and sealants are used for both internal and external applications, as well as gaskets for compressors, gearboxes and pumps.
Solvent-resistant sealants are also ideal for the assembly and maintenance of fuel systems and tanks.
These advanced silicones are also used in the bonding of substrates to heat sinks within power, transmission and conversion modules, and in the fastening of integrated circuits, heat sinks, housings, base plates and covers.
DOWSIL™ thermal management solutions are now increasingly used in the battery systems of new-generation electric aircraft.
Defence
Critical performance for every mission
Military and aerospace missions, whether airborne, land-based or naval, pose some of the most extreme engineering challenges. Operating conditions can range from desert heat to arctic cold to tropical humidity. In these environments, materials must offer maximum reliability and consistent performance.
Thanks to their balance between stress reduction and environmental resistance, Dow silicones are a proven solution. DOWSIL™ coatings, gels and encapsulants absorb shock and vibration while offering flame resistance. Many of these materials are tested to MIL-SPEC specifications and UL certified, ensuring compliance and quality for mission-critical applications.
Aviation, displays and lighting
Visibility and reliability for flight safety
In aviation, visibility is a safety issue. Pilots must monitor fuel levels, air traffic, flight instruments and navigation systems in real time. With increased traffic in the skies, flight recorders and anti-collision devices also require increasingly reliable components.
From cockpit displays to on-board lights, every electronic component must withstand temperature changes, humidity and other environmental factors. DOWSIL™ optically transparent materials ensure durability and consistent performance even under the most extreme conditions. In electronic modules and systems, Dow thermally conductive materials ensure efficient cooling, while electrically conductive materials offer high EMI shielding across a wide range of operating frequencies.
Spacecraft and satellites
Materials designed for extreme vacuums
In space systems, every component must function perfectly in high-vacuum environments, where even minimal gas emissions can compromise electronics, optics and heat dissipation. Dow space silicones are formulated to minimise outgassing and comply with NASA requirements and ASTM E595.
DOWSIL™ encapsulants, available in fluid or thixotropic versions, protect modules, relays, power supplies, connectors and entire electronic systems. Low CVCM and high elongation formulations ensure stress elimination and thermal and electrical stability even under extreme conditions.
New frontiers
Continuous innovation for the challenges of the future
With the evolution of space exploration – from asteroid mining to missions to Mars – there is a growing need for materials capable of protecting launch infrastructure. Rocket gases, at extreme temperatures, can cause ablation of concrete, steel or refractory brick structures. For this reason, Dow has developed specific ablative materials to protect platforms and nozzles under conditions of intense heat flow.
Alongside these solutions, Dow also offers thermally conductive gels for electronics encapsulation and green strength adhesives, ideal for bonding substrates with different thermal expansion coefficients. Materials designed to support the most innovative modules today and in the future.
Conclusion
In the aerospace and defence sector, every detail counts. Dow silicone-based solutions, distributed by MD Poland, are designed to ensure high performance, long life and safety in extreme conditions.
Thanks to our technical expertise and constant application support, we accompany our customers every step of the way, from material selection to design.
Contact our MD Poland experts for support in choosing the most suitable silicone for your application.
