High-Purity Materials for Aerospace Engineering Research

Advent Research Materials supply high-purity metals, alloys, and polymers that meet the rigorous needs of aerospace research and early prototype development.

Aerospace applications require materials that perform reliably in harsh and high-pressure environments.

From structural frames to engine components and electronic systems, each part of an aircraft or spacecraft relies on carefully selected materials tailored to performance, safety, and longevity.

Materials must be:

• Fatigue and corrosion resistant
• High strength-to-weight ratio
• Thermally stable at high and low extremes
• Mechanically reliable over long durations and repeated use

These requirements drive the adoption of high-performance materials across R&D departments in commercial and defence aerospace, including industry leaders like Boeing.

Common Materials used in Aerospace Applicaions

1. Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys

Aluminium is widely used in aerospace for airframe components due to its strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Used in Boeing aircraft such as the 737 and 777 series, where aluminium-lithium alloys reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity.

2. Titanium and Titanium Alloys

• Titanium offers high tensile strength and excellent resistance to heat and corrosion.
• Commonly used in jet engine components, landing gear, and fasteners. Foe example Boeing's 787 Dreamliner incorporates titanium extensively in high-stress areas. 

3. Stainless Steel

• Used for its structural strength and resistance to oxidation in fuel and hydraulic systems.
• Suitable for components exposed to fluctuating pressures and temperatures.

4. Copper and Copper Alloys

• Used in electrical systems, wiring, and high-frequency signal transmission.
• Copper alloys are also used for thermal management in avionics and radar systems, particularly in high-frequency and power-dense environments. For example, Boeing incorporates copper-based systems in modern aircraft electrical and avionics architectures to improve conductivity and minimise weight.

5. High-Performance Polymers

• PEEK and PTFE – high-performance polymers used for insulation, seals, and lightweight structural parts including fuel lines.
• Chemical resistance and thermal stability make them ideal for aerospace interior systems and electronic casings.
• Applications include cable insulation (unsintered PTFE tape), fuel hoses (PTFE filled with carbon, made by co-extrusion), protecting surfaces for doors and various aids for easy assembling and protection (to prevent friction between the aluminum and other metal parts).

Research Applications

Our high-purity materials are used in:

1. Aerodynamic testing of structural elements
2. Propulsion system R&D
3. Composite-metal integration research
4. Electromagnetic interference shielding in control systems

We support university aerospace departments, defence contractors, propulsion system innovators, and satellite technology developers.

Formats Available

Our metals, alloys, and polymers are available in a range of research-grade formats including:

• Foil, wire, sheet, rod, tube, disc, and custom-cut components

All materials are traceable and provided with full documentation.

Explore our full range of products for aerospace research and development.