BASF (Ludwigshafen / Germany; www.basf.com) has introduced "Basotect UL", a sound-absorbing and heat-insulating melamine resin foam designed for the insulation of airplane cabins. The foam weighing only six grams per litre is 30% lighter than conventional Basotect (www.basotect.com) foam, making it particularly suitable for aviation applications. It also is said to comply with stringent aviation fire-protection standards.

According to the manufacturer, the foam´s fine, three-dimensional network structure, consisting of easily thermoformable filaments, makes Basotect UL panels simpler to install than the glass fibre pads with which manufacturers normally insulate their aircraft. The material with enhanced thermal insulating effects is claimed to be more flexible and softer than glass fibres or polyimide foam. It also retains its flexibility, even at extremely low temperatures.