No sería entendible el transporte aéreo sin la participación de la química en multitud de aspectos que lo hacen posible: materiales, combustibles, protección, gases, etc. Entendamos por qué la ciencia de la química también es fundamental en la aviación.
When we watch an aircraft soaring through the skies, we rarely consider the complex harmony of chemistry that makes its flight possible. Aviation is a dance between human creativity and scienceAnd at the heart of this aerial dance is chemistry, all in perfect balance.
From the formulation of fuels to the composition of materials to passenger safety, chemistry is at the heart of the knowledge that makes air travel possible and is part of the disciplines that drive the aviation industry to new heights.
Let's look at some examples of how we interact with chemistry when we fly:
Fuels, the energy for flight
Every time an aircraft takes off, paraffin is currently the main source of energy that propels the aircraft. This hydrocarbon mixture is the energy food for jet engines. On a 100-kilometre trip, a commercial aircraft consumes about 76 litres of paraffin. Chemistry is at the root of optimising the formulation of this fuel and thus its efficiency. It is therefore of vital importance to adjust the composition of this energy source for maximum efficiency.
Aviation biofuels, a pathway to a more sustainable future
Sustainable flight with zero net emissions is the horizon towards which aviation is heading in a collective commitment that aims for 2050. Aviation biofuels are the result of chemistry that extracts energy from renewable sources such as vegetable oils and animal fats. Some flights have already adopted blends between biofuels and conventional paraffin, reducing the carbon footprint and leading the way to a greener future.
Chemistry is at the origin of the development of SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuels), which are different types of fuels that need to meet certain social, economic and environmental criteria and considerations, aimed at reducing the impact of aviation on the atmosphere. FFS is produced from biomass that is refined through a process called hydrodeoxygenation, which removes oxygen, sulphur and nitrogen from these renewable feedstocks. PBS can reduce CO2 emissions by 80% compared to fossil fuels.
Both biomass-based PBS and advanced biofuel from waste are included in the list of sustainable fuels in the European Renewable Energy Directive. Chemistry is also there.
Green hydrogen, a clean energy
At the forefront of innovation is green hydrogen, a chemical element that has the potential to revolutionise aviation. Produced by electrolysis of water using renewable energy, green hydrogen can be used as clean jet fuel. This breakthrough in chemistry opens the door to carbon-free flights and marks an exciting path that is still uncertain, but possible.
New materials: lightness and strength
The structure of an aircraft is a balance between strength and weight. This is where carbon fibre reinforced polymers and, consequently, chemistry come into play. These composite materials are exceptionally light and strong. This combination allows aircraft to be more efficient in flight, which translates primarily into fuel consumption, reduced emissions into the atmosphere and, at the same time, ensuring passenger safety.
Flame retardants and their role in fire protection
Safety is a priority in aviation, and chemistry plays a key role in this. Flame retardants are chemical compounds that are applied to aircraft interior materials. These compounds prevent the rapid spread of fire, protecting passengers in the event of an unexpected fire. The chemistry behind these flame retardants is a silent guarantee of safety in the air.
Interior materials and air filtration
The passenger experience does not escape chemical influence. Aircraft interior materials, from seats to trim, are carefully selected to ensure comfort and safety. In addition, chemistry is behind cabin air filtration systems, ensuring a healthy, contaminant-free environment during flight.
The personal touch of in-flight chemistry
Chemistry plays a crucial role in many of the more unsuspected aspects of a flight, although they often go unnoticed. It is present in the preservatives in the food we eat on the plane, the drinks, the hot wipes we are given before the flight, the air fresheners in the toilets, the contents of fire extinguishers or the mixture we would breathe in if we needed a mask. Chemistry is in every corner of an aircraft.
Continuing with more tangible examples of the presence of chemistry in aircraft, we can find it in the plastic of the fuselage, in the carpeting we walk on, the lining of the seats, the glass and the metals that make up the screens or televisions in the aircraft. The next time you pick up your mobile phone or laptop, compare them with the ones on the aircraft, don't they look exactly the same?
Indeed, chemistry is a science that is intrinsically intertwined with our daily lives, from the food we enjoy, objects we use to more complex systems such as combustion vehicles, electric vehicles and, as we have seen, the aeroplanes we love to watch flying on a fine autumn evening. Every time we are in an aircraft, we are immersed in a world where chemistry drives every component and every experience. From the fuels that make it fly to the materials that make it and the precautions that keep passengers safe, chemistry is a vital force behind aviation.
As we move towards a future where flight is more sustainable and efficient, chemistry will continue to carry our hopes and dreams above the clouds, allowing us to explore the skies with safety and confidence.
