Advanced Waterborne Polyurethane Dispersions for Aerospace

SIWO US Inc. is a leading supplier of next-generation waterborne polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) engineered for the aerospace industry. Our innovative PUDs meet the demanding requirements of modern aircraft: they deliver lightweight composite materials and coatings without sacrificing strength or durability. In fact, aerospace-grade PU composites are prized because they “combine the strength and light weight” needed for high-performance parts. By replacing solvent systems with waterborne PUDs, SIWO helps aerospace manufacturers achieve better durability and chemical resistance while slashing VOC emissions. From high-strength fiber sizings to corrosion-resistant topcoats, SIWO’s waterborne solutions bring premium performance and formulation flexibility to aviation applications.

Technical Features

Low-Viscosity, Thin-Film Technology: SIWO’s PUDs are formulated for easy processing into thin films and coatings (10–100 µm for fiber sizings and reinforcements, 1–10 µm for binders, and up to 1,000 µm for protective coatings). These low-viscosity dispersions ensure uniform coverage on fine fibers and substrates, enabling strong adhesion even in very thin layers.
High Mechanical Strength: Our PUD film formers and crosslinkers are engineered to maximize composite performance. When used in fiber sizing or binders, they significantly improve bonding at the fiber-matrix interface, translating to higher tensile strength, shear strength and impact resistance in the finished part. In fact, Covestro notes that PUD-based film formers and crosslinkers “are crucial components in achieving the required mechanical properties: bonding, tensile strength and shear strength”.
Thermal and Hydrolytic Stability: SIWO’s PUDs use advanced polymer chemistries that withstand harsh environments. Coatings and binders made with these dispersions exhibit exceptional heat resistance and hydrolytic stability, so they retain strength even at elevated temperatures or in humid conditions. This stability supports aerospace longevity and fatigue life in composites.
Superior Chemical/UV Resistance: Aerospace components face fuels, hydraulic fluids, and intense UV exposure. SIWO’s PUDs provide excellent chemical and UV resistance, protecting surfaces against corrosion and degradation. Polyurethane topcoats are well-known for “excellent chemical and UV resistance to extend the life cycle” of assets. In practical terms, SIWO’s PUD coatings eliminate the need for toxic chromates or lead compounds, yet still protect metal and composite airframes from corrosive attack.
Versatile Formulation: Our PUD platform offers broad compatibility with thermoplastic and thermoset matrix systems. SIWO supplies film-former grades (often aliphatic PU) and complementary crosslinkers that activate at various curing temperatures. This flexibility lets formulators tailor cure schedules, hardness and elasticity to each application. The result is a PUD system that can meet stringent adhesion and performance requirements across diverse aerospace substrates.

Application Areas

Glass Fiber Sizing: In composite manufacturing, glass fiber sizing is a critical thin coating that protects fibers during handling and promotes bonding to the resin matrix. SIWO’s waterborne PU film formers make excellent glass fiber sizing They form a covalent film on the glass surface, creating a strong chemical bond with polymer matrices. The result is a reinforced composite with optimized tensile and shear strength. Because SIWO’s PUDs are waterborne and low-viscosity, they wet out tightly around 10–100 µm glass filaments without trapped solvents, delivering uniform protection and excellent adhesion.
High Tensile Strength Binders: SIWO’s PUD dispersions can be used as high tensile strength binders (adhesives or laminating resins) in aerospace composites and assemblies. Even at thin film weights (1–10 µm), these binder layers provide exceptional cohesion and toughness. When cured, they form strong interlayer bonds that boost overall composite tensile strength. In fact, PU adhesives are renowned for “good tensile strength” and high impact resistance in structural bonds. SIWO binders are available in moisture-curing and thermoset formulations, allowing engineers to balance open time, cure speed and ultimate strength. The result is lightweight bonding films that hold fibrous reinforcements firmly in place under load.
Composite Reinforcement: Beyond sizing, SIWO’s PUDs can be incorporated into composite reinforcements themselves. For example, waterborne PU dispersions can impregnate non-woven mats, veils or fabrics, adding toughness and flexibility to the reinforced polymer matrix. In these roles, SIWO’s PUDs act as both film-formers and crosslinkers that enhance load transfer between fibers and resin. Covestro highlights that such PUD dispersions are used on “glass, carbon and basalt fibers…in both fiber-reinforced thermoplastic and thermoset composites” to strengthen the part. By saturating fiber architectures with SIWO’s PU resins, aerospace composite parts achieve higher strength-to-weight ratios and better damage tolerance.
Corrosion Resistant Coatings: SIWO’s waterborne PUDs are also ideal for durable, corrosion resistant coatings on aircraft structures and parts. These coatings can be applied at 100–1000 µm thickness to form hard protective barriers. Waterborne PU topcoats cure to form crosslinked films that are chemically resistant and non-porous. As noted by industry research, PU topcoats “protected against corrosion” in structural applications and dramatically outlasted older coatings. SIWO’s formulations maintain that legacy: they provide long-term protection for metal alloys and composite skins alike. Plus, they eliminate heavy-metal additives: Covestro emphasizes that modern PU coatings “eliminated lead and reduced VOC content” compared to legacy systems. This means SIWO’s corrosion-resistant PUD coatings deliver both performance and environmental compliance.

Product Advantages

Aerospace-Grade Performance: SIWO’s PUDs are engineered for the strictest aerospace standards. Finished composites and coatings exhibit ultra-high tensile and flexural strength (thanks to strong fiber bonding) along with resistance to abrasion, UV light and aggressive chemicals. The materials cure to tough, elastic films that withstand the repeated stress cycles and fuel/solvent exposure typical in flight.
Light weighting: By enabling thinner coatings and adhesive films without loss of strength, SIWO’s PUDs help reduce component weight. High-performance PU composites inherently offer a favorable strength-to-weight ratio: Covestro notes that their PU composite resins “combine the strength and light weight” needed for advanced parts. SIWO’s materials carry this advantage into practice, supporting aerospace efforts to save fuel and increase payload by shaving ounces from every panel and assembly.
Flexible Formulation: SIWO’s product line can be tailored in countless ways. Formulators can adjust solids content, chain structure and crosslinker chemistry to set the desired flexibility, hardness or cure temperature. The PUDs are compatible with other additives (e.g. pigments, anti-oxidants, UV absorbers) and can be co-dispersed with pigments or nano fillers for colored and functional coatings. This flexibility ensures that each aerospace application, from insulation to exteriors, gets the ideal balance of properties.
Outstanding Durability:Thanks to their cross linked polyurethane networks, SIWO’s coatings and binders have exceptional longevity. Long-term corrosion protection, colorfastness and wear resistance mean that aerospace surfaces last longer between maintenance cycles. Professionals continue to specify PU coatings because of their proven long-term durability, backed by “excellent chemical and UV resistance” that extends asset life.
Eco-Friendly Waterborne Chemistry: As waterborne dispersions, SIWO’s PUDs contain no flammable organic solvents and very low VOC. This eliminates hazardous emissions and fire risks in manufacturing. For example, Covestro reports that modern PU coatings “reduced volatile organic compound (VOC) content” and eliminated toxic lead present in older systems. The result is a safer workplace and easier compliance with environmental regulations. Many SIWO PUDs also incorporate bio-based polyols or crosslinkers, aligning with aerospace industry goals for renewable content. In short, choosing SIWO’s waterborne PUDs advances both performance and sustainability.

Sustainability & Compliance

SIWO’s waterborne PUD technologies support the aerospace industry’s commitment to green manufacturing. By replacing solventborne chemistries, our products help aircraft OEMs meet strict global VOC and HAP regulations. Waterborne PUD coatings and adhesives have inherently low VOC, often 50–100 g/L or less, while matching the performance of solvent systems. This means dramatically improved air quality in production facilities. Moreover, PU systems are free of chromates and heavy metals, a major advantage for environmental and personnel safety. In many cases, SIWO PUD formulations comply with regulations like REACH and NASA guidelines for low-toxicity materials.

Beyond emissions, SIWO’s PUDs contribute to lifecycle sustainability. Durable PU materials reduce the need for frequent recoating or part replacement. Customers have observed that two-component waterborne PU coatings not only enhance aesthetics but also offer “low VOC, low odor, and increased service life” compared to alternatives. And as mentioned, we offer options with renewable carbon content. Bio-derived polyols in our PUDs can replace a portion of petrochemicals without compromising strength. All told, SIWO’s dispersions help deliver lightweight, fuel-efficient airplanes that are greener to produce and maintain.

Contact SIWO Aerospace Experts

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Advanced Waterborne Polyurethane Dispersions for Aerospace

Technical Features

Application Areas

Product Advantages

Sustainability & Compliance

Contact SIWO Aerospace Experts

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