In this publication the application of novel piezoelectric materials for energy harvesting on vibrating aircraft structures is investigated. These materials have significant advantages over conventional piezoelectric transducer materials like piezoceramics. In particular, biogenic materials in the form of wood-based materials and ferroelectrets in the form of irradiation cross-linked polypropylene are the subject of the investigation. The material characterization in terms of mechanical and electromechanical properties is shown for both material types. For the wood materials a compression test is used as the material has load-bearing properties. The ferroelectrets provide high compliances and are therefore investigated in a tensile test for material characterisation as well as in a four-point flexural test regarding its behaviour when glued to a dynamically bending surface. Additionally an FE-model of the material model for ferroelectrets is presented, which is validated by experimental results. An estimation of the power output is given for different concepts with both kinds of materials.

Reducing the ecological footprint of aviation is a key objective in the development of future aircraft. This is particularly relevant in the emerging field of Urban Air Mobility, which demands sustainable yet industrially feasible solutions due to expected high production rates. As part of the cooperative research project KONKAV, innovative materials and manufacturing methods are being explored to meet these demands. One such approach is the partial consolidation of nonwovens made from recycled carbon fibers, aimed at producing multifunctional, recyclable components for Urban Air Mobility cabin linings for high bending stiffness requirements. This study presents the experimental characterization of various nonwoven architectures, focusing on how different levels of consolidation affect their specific mechanical properties. The partially consolidated structure enables tailored stiffness profiles, making it possible to optimize structural performance while integrating functions such as thermal insulation and acoustic damping directly into the lining. An analytical material model has been developed by analyzing the experimental results. The findings demonstrate that partially consolidated nonwovens can achieve a competitive stiffness-to-weight ratio, with advantages over conventional glass-fiber-reinforced composites in terms of eco-efficiency and circularity. The proposed construction method offers potential for cost-effective, lightweight solutions that support closed-loop material use in aviation interiors.