I know that there is FAR 23.853 which outlines what you can and cannot put into your planes interior. I was wondering what your thoughts were on acrylic? I was hoping to replace my inside paneling with acrylic sheets cut to size both for aesthetics and so they can be used as a whiteboard.
I have talked to an A&P about it, but he believes it would violate FARs and is worried about the toxicity of the smoke produced. It seems valid, but I would love some second opinions on it.
Take a small piece of the acrylic outside on concrete and set fire to it with a match. What happens? Do you want to be in the airplane, in the air, with that?
If a certificated airplane, and you care about air worthiness, then take a piece of the acrylic to a testing shop for a flammability test. Or contact the acrylic manufacturer for certification that it passes the flammability test.
If you go ahead and install, then at the next annual the A&P may
1. require proof of flammability test, or
2. ignore it, or
3. refuse to sign off air worthiness
"Polyester, Nylon and acrylic tend to be slow to ignite but once ignited, melting and dripping will occur."
http://www.resistflamefinishing.com/flammability_of_fabrics.asp
"Both cast and extruded Acrylic burn more or less like hardwood;
very little smoke generation. Its combustion gases are non-toxic and non-corrosive. "
http://www.hydrosight.com/fire-rating-of-acrylic/
"The 60% wool/40% acrylic, the 100% acrylic, and the 100% cotton blankets were the most flammable and were consumed during each test."
http://www.tc.faa.gov/its/worldpac/techrpt/ar96-15.pdf
Disclaimer: Do not take these links as proof or justification.
