China should step up research and development so it can produce advanced aviation materials and build aircraft that are greener and more competitive, says an expert.

"Advanced materials can reduce an aircraft's weight, lowering fuel consumption and cutting back its ecological footprint," said Cao Chunxiao, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and senior researcher at the Beijing Institute of Aeronautical Materials.

Aircraft have traditionally been made of aluminum alloy, but composite materials and titanium alloy are becoming increasingly attractive to manufacturers.

Extensive use of composite materials and titanium alloy means that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner uses 8 percent less fuel than aircraft made of traditional materials, said Cao.

"About 50 percent of a Boeing 787 by weight consists of polymer-based composites, while titanium alloys account for another 15 percent. In contrast, composite materials make up only 10 percent of a Boeing 777, and titanium alloy accounts for just 8 percent."

In addition, advanced materials have a longer life than traditional alloys.

However China has a long way to go before it is able to make aviation materials as advanced as those used by Boeing and Airbus.

"Compared with Western aviation powers, we have only a small range of advanced aviation materials."

Chinese manufacturers have recognized the technology gap and are allocating more resources to develop new materials.

The C919, China's answer to the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, will contain nearly 10 percent titanium alloy, said Cao.

"It is understandable that the C919 can't use too many of the new materials at present because our engineers must avoid any technical uncertainties. But it is an irreversible trend that our new aircraft will be built from more eco-friendly materials."

Cao said the government and aviation industry should encourage the development of new materials as otherwise the Chinese aircraft industry will be dominated by foreign companies.

His comments were welcomed by Lin Zuoming, chairman of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, the nation's main aircraft manufacturer.

Lin said during a recent green aviation forum in Guiyang, Guizhou province, that the corporation will fund more research into new materials.

He added that it will also conduct research into the development of solar-powered aircraft.

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(China Daily 07/22/2014 page5)