High-Performance Foam Cores for Mission-Critical Systems

ROHACELL® PMI foam cores deliver the exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and thermal stability that defense and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications demand. When mission success depends on material performance, ROHACELL® provides the reliability that aerospace and defense manufacturers require.

Why Defense Manufacturers Choose ROHACELL®

Defense applications impose stringent requirements on materials: maximum performance at minimum weight, consistent quality, and reliability under extreme conditions. ROHACELL® meets these demands with its superior mechanical properties across a wide temperature range, excellent compressive creep behavior, and outstanding dynamic strength.

The foam’s high heat distortion temperature (up to 200°C) and ability to withstand processing at elevated temperatures and pressures make it suitable for advanced composite manufacturing techniques used in defense production. The material maintains its structural integrity in demanding operational environments.

UAV and Drone Applications

The unmanned systems sector benefits significantly from ROHACELL® foam cores. In UAV airframe construction, the exceptional strength-to-weight ratio directly translates to extended flight endurance, increased payload capacity, or enhanced maneuverability—critical factors in drone performance.

ROHACELL® is used in UAV structural components including wings, fuselages, control surfaces, and internal structural elements. The material’s compatibility with automated composite production methods supports efficient manufacturing of drone components at various production volumes.

For reconnaissance and surveillance platforms, the dimensional stability of ROHACELL® ensures that precision-mounted sensor systems maintain alignment throughout operational life.

Radome and RF-Transparent Structures

ROHACELL® is particularly valued for radome construction and other RF-transparent structures essential to defense communications and sensor systems. The foam’s consistent dielectric properties and ability to be thermoformed into complex aerodynamic shapes make it ideal for protecting antenna systems while maintaining signal integrity.

The material can be formed into radome geometries through thermoforming, with complex undevelopable surfaces created by bonding multiple formed sections.

Aerospace Defense Structures

In manned and unmanned aerospace platforms, ROHACELL® serves as structural core material in sandwich composite construction for fairings, access panels, interior structures, and aerodynamic surfaces. The foam’s homogeneous cell structure delivers Class A surface finishes without print-through, meeting the demanding surface quality standards of aerospace applications.

Quality and Reliability

Defense programs require materials with consistent, documented properties. ROHACELL® foam cores from Evonik are manufactured to exacting standards, providing the quality assurance that defense supply chains demand.

Partner with CHEM-CRAFT

CHEM-CRAFT supplies ROHACELL® foam cores to defense and aerospace manufacturers across Nordic Europe, Eastern Europe, and the BeNeLux region. Our technical team understands the unique requirements of defense applications and can support material selection and processing guidance.

Contact us to discuss your defense or UAV program requirements.