Phil, Kelly
This topic reared it's head last summer with the crash of an MD-11 (a Swiss
Air flight out of New York) off Nova Scotia, one of the early theories heard
was that the pre-crash smoke in the cockpit was possibly a result of a fire
involving Kapton or polyamide insulation.  One "expert" I heard on the radio
claimed that Kapton insulation gets brittle and cracks after several years
of service.  I say "expert" because I have no idea of the individual's
credentials, so it could have been a crock of $#@#$@!!
His statement was that the US military banned it about 10 years ago, but
that commercial airliners still use it.

Not claiming this to be factual, take it for what it's worth.  But it may be
what Phil's customer is worried about.

regards,

Graham Collins
Process Engineer,
Litton Systems Canada, Atlantic Facility
(902) 873-2000 ext 6215

-----Original Message-----
From: KELLY M SCHRIVER [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 1999 2:21 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [TN] flex circuits


Hi Phil -

I haven't heard anything recently on this subject, but there was a major
issue
probably fifteen or twenty years ago.  In my recollection it involved some
U.S.Navy aircraft (possibly A-6 or F-4).  If I remember correctly the
polyimide insulation of stranded wire bundles had been attacked and
deteriorated by some of the aircraft cleaning fluids.  I'm not aware of any
fires, but it certainly was a situation that would have had the potential to
produce such.

I'm not aware of any prohibition of polyimide other than for wire jackets in
areas which may be exposed to certain strong alkalines.

How's about it?  Anyone else out there got anything new or more accurate
recollections?

Note that Kapton is the DuPont registered trade name for their series of
polyimide materials.  There are many other sources of polyimide products in
todays market.


Regards - Kelly

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