How Permatex Simplifies Emergency Aerospace Repairs

In the aerospace industry and aviation, as well as other high-performance industries, there is no room for subpar repairs. Whether it be the quality of the repair or the quality (and correctness) of the repair materials, it all matters. When emergencies happen, and they will, whether a frayed or damaged wire, a leaking hose, or even failing insulation wrap, your crews will appreciate a solution that works fast, holds firm, and lasts. 

Permatex Self-Fusing tape is a premier solution when you don’t have time to waste on products that don’t do what you need them to do. 

Permatex is a self-bonding silicone rubber taupe that is made for emergency repairs in the most demanding environments on earth (aerospace, marine, and automotive). It is a non-adhesive, stretch-and-wrap tape that will fuse to itself but won’t leave a sticky residue. Also, it is waterproof, airtight, and creates an electrically insulating bond. 

Let’s take a look at Permatex and how you can use it in your MRO or AOG shop!

About Permatex Tape

Permatex tape is a highly effective temporary patch, but it is also more than just that. It is an engineering solution that consistently provides durable, dependable, and predictable results in the worst conditions. 

Permatex is a self-fusing silicone tape used for emergency repairs in aerospace and other industries. This means that it does not rely on adhesives to be applied; it instead fuses to itself. 

It provides a strong, waterproof seal and electrical insulation, making it a reliable solution for protecting wires and hoses. This is worth its weight in gold when you are on the road and have a frayed hose or bare wiring that needs patching to get home. Permatex does this. 

It does the following very well:

  • Quick repairs: When time is of the essence, Permatex offers versatile, reliable, and strong options. Stretch it, wrap it around the affected area, and press down. It bonds to itself with no adhesive.
  • Resists extremes: your fleet operates under the harshest conditions, whether it is an AT-802 flying through the tree tops or an E-11A at FL450. They deal with high temperatures, low temperatures, pressure changes, chemical exposure, and high vibration. Permatex tape is made to handle these stresses with a temperature range from  -65°F to 500°F (-54°C to 260°C). It remains stable when it gets exposed to fuels, oils, lubricants, and hydraulic fluids. 
  • Permatex tape is watertight and airtight: once you apply it, Permatex forms a tight seal that prevents moisture from permeating the tape. You need this when your aircraft flies through clouds, rain, and anything else that causes condensation. 

Benefits of Permatex

So, why should Permatex tape be in your maintenance kit all the time?  Permatex offers a quick and easy solution for emergency repairs and provides a strong and waterproof seal. This is worth its weight in gold if you have a jet that needs to get home and it cannot fly in its current condition. 

Permatex is a great alternative to traditional duct tape and electrical tape, providing a more reliable and long-lasting bond, plus it will not leave adhesive residue all over wherever it was used. 

Permatex is also widely used in the marine and automotive industries, for the same reasons: those vehicles are also exposed to some of the harshest conditions on earth.

Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Strength

One of Permatex’s standout features is its electrical insulation capabilities. Permatex tape is rated for insulating up to 400 volts per mil of thickness, so most rolls end up providing 20-30 mils of thickness when wrapped. This would provide insulation protection for up to 8,000-12,000 volts. 

Permatex is well-suited for wrapping battery cables, welding cables, wrapping splices, sensor wires, and more. It is especially well-suited for use in avionics and communication/navigation systems that are highly reliant on stable electrical insulation. 

Even when it is wet, Permatex maintains dielectric integrity, keeping signals clean and electric arcs minimized. 

Comparison to Electrical Tape

Electrical tape is fine for lots of applications, but it is not always the right choice, especially when significant moisture and chemical exposure are certain. Since Permatex is a self-fusing silicone tape that forms a strong bond when stretched and wrapped, unlike electrical tape, which uses adhesives, it provides better electrical insulation and a waterproof seal, making it a more reliable choice for protecting electrical connections.

Permatex is also more resistant to heat and chemicals than electrical tape, making it a better choice for use in extreme conditions. Electrical tape is best-suited for applications where moisture and chemicals are not expected. Self-bonding tape is the best option when you need a waterproof seal, and self-fusing silicone tape is easier to use than shrink tubing, as it poses no risk of burning the wire. 

Also, it can be used for uses beyond electrical, which electrical tape cannot. Permatex can be used on radiator hoses in a pinch, and both marine applications and electrical applications, and is helpful for irregular shapes since it fuses to itself. 

Applications of Permatex

Who uses Permatex? Lots of people in lots of places! Permatex is widely used in aerospace, military, and industrial applications for its versatility and durability. Its resistance to chafing and shrinkage makes it a great choice, and you can easily add as many layers as you need. Also, remember that each layer adds more electrical insulation

It is a good solution for emergency repairs, temporary repairs, and long-term sealing solutions.

Electrical Insulation Capabilities

We already touched on this a little bit, but Permatex provides excellent electrical insulation, making it a reliable choice for protecting electrical connections. It is resistant to heat and chemicals, which can damage electrical insulation and compromise the insulation's ability to protect the circuits. 

Permatex is also waterproof, which makes it suitable for use in applications where moisture is present, and is a good liner when additional protection is required.

Key Features of Permatex Self-Fusing Silicone Tape

Self-fusing silicone tape is a general-purpose tape that is used for all kinds of different tasks in just about any conceivable industrial environment, but it is approved for military uses via MIL-A-59163. 

  • Temperature Range: -80°F to 500°F (-62°C to 260°C)

  • Tensile Strength: 700 psi

  • Elongation: 300%

  • Dielectric Strength: 400 V/mil

  • Cure Time: Full cure in 24 hours; seals immediately on application

  • No adhesive: Leaves no residue and fuses to itself under stretch and wrap

For a full breakdown of the characteristics of Permatex self-sealing silicone tape, review the technical data sheet, along with the safety data sheet. 

Procuring Permatex Self-Securing Silicone Tape from Greenwood Aerospace

Greenwood Aerospace is your aviation and aerospace procurement specialist. We can source and procure hundreds of different chemicals, solvents, oils, and fluids, as well as assorted other items, such as Permatex silicone tape, for your operation. 

For any questions, expedited delivery requests, large order inquiries, or to confirm product availability, reach out to Greenwood Aerospace at gsasales@greenwood.aero or give us a call at 580-865-6000 or 833-GSA-EBUY (833-472-3289). As a proud Native American-owned, HUBZone-certified small business, we are committed to delivering high-quality service with rapid, reliable delivery.