HTMS partners with Cranfield University on low-cost carbon/carbon composites project

HTMS is excited to announce our involvement in the Low Cost Carbon-Carbon Composites (LC3) project in collaboration with Cranfield University. This initiative is aimed at developing and validating innovative manufacturing processes to produce high performance non-oxide ceramic composites at a significantly reduced cost.

Advanced Carbon-based composites have long been sought after for their strength, durability, and resistance to extreme condition. However, the traditionally high costs associated with these materials have posed a significant barrier to widespread adoption. The Low Cost Carbon-Carbon Composites project aims to address this challenge by establishing cost effective solutions that do not compromise on quality or performance.

Danilo Di Salvo, CEO of HTMS added

“We are delighted to further strengthen our collaboration with Cranfield University, particularly with Dr. Geoff Neale and Dr. David Ayre, both of whom are renowned experts in composite manufacturing. There is a strong industry demand for affordable non-oxide CMCs, and we recognise the immense potential in meeting this need. By combining HTMS’s expertise in CMC technology with Cranfield’s world class facilities and research capabilities, we are taking a significant step towards making affordable non-oxide CMCs a reality.”

By applying HTMS’s specialist knowledge in ceramic composites and leveraging Cranfield University’s extensive research capabilities, this partnership seeks to drive innovation in carbon composite manufacturing. The research will explore novel production techniques, material formulations, and process optimisations to enhance affordability without sacrificing the integrity of the final product. This collaboration represents an important first step towards making advanced carbon composites more accessible to a broader range of requirements.

One of the key goals of the project is to refine existing manufacturing methods while integrating novel technologies and processes to achieve efficiency gains. The project team aims to streamline the manufacturing process, reducing waste and production time while maintaining mechanical performance. Moreover, the implications of this research extend beyond immediate cost savings. The project has the potential to foster greater sustainability in composite manufacturing by reducing material waste and energy consumption. As industries increasingly prioritise eco-friendly solutions, the ability to produce composites in a more sustainable and cost effective manner becomes even more crucial.

HTMS and Cranfield University are committed to ensuring that the knowledge and innovations derived from this project are translated into real-world applications. Through close collaboration with industry partners and end users, the research will be tailored to meet market needs and support the broader adoption of
advanced carbon composites.

Richard Grainger, CTO of HTMS stated

“I am particularly happy to kick off this project following on from a successful MSc project that we sponsored in the last academic year. The facilities and knowledge base at Cranfield is sector leading. The team at Cranfield has invested in some great equipment to be used in this project and future work packages. I look forward to expanding this relationship over the coming years.”

By addressing key cost and scalability challenges, the Low Cost Carbon-Carbon Composites project aims to develop a carbon-carbon composite supply chain in the UK. HTMS is proud to contribute to this initiative and looks forward to delivering innovative solutions that shape the future of high performance carbon/carbon composites.

The project will run until July 2025.

You can read Cranfield's press release here - Low-cost carbon/carbon composites (LC3) (cranfield.ac.uk)

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