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

2025 kicked off with a bang at HTMS with the news that we have been successful, alongside our partner Raeon, in a bid to secure £43,000 of funding from the Niche Vehicle Network (NVN) for a feasibility study for the next generation of EV battery boxes.

The research programme will enable HTMS to accelerate our material development programme for use within a EV battery box system.  This is the next step in our journey towards the overall goal of making a lighter, safer and higher performing product for the EV market.

The project is due to run until April 25 when further details will be available.....

"This research has been part funded by The Department for Business and Trade (DBT), through The Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), supported by Innovate UK and managed by the Niche Vehicle Network."


"The Niche Vehicle Network is a free to join networking and support organisation focused on enabling UK low volume vehicle manufacturers and design and engineering companies to research and develop innovative zero tailpipe emission vehicle technologies. The Network is funded by the Department for Business and Trade, The Advanced Propulsion Centre and Innovate UK."

HTMS wins NVN funding for next generation EV battery box

Armstong Group Limited (Armstrong) and High Temperature Material Systems Limited (HTMS) are delighted to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop next generation composite technologies. 


Primarily focused on addressing thermal management challenges within the Automotive and Clean Transport sectors by combining Armstrong’s composite experience with the breakthrough in ceramic composite technology developed by HTMS.


The team’s first project has begun in the development of an EV battery box system which is lighter and has a greater thermal performance than the current market solutions.


Both businesses are proud to develop this new technology for the global market using British-based manufacturing facilities, design expertise and materials know how.

Dr. Danilo Di Salvo, HTMS CEO commented

“HTMS are extremely proud to be working with Armstrong, a company of such a rich history that their reputation within the UK and European automotive industry speaks for itself. From our first meeting it was clear that we share a common view that composites will play a major role in the electrification of the automotive industry. I look forward to continuing our work in developing and delivering a safer, lighter and lower CO2 battery box.”

Adam Grace, Armstrong Group Director stated

“This MoU is a forward-thinking move that reflects the growing importance of materials science in automotive innovation. It positions our companies to tackle future challenges like EV adoption, sustainability mandates, and customer demand for advanced performance."

HTMS and Armstrong Group sign MoU at Advanced Engineering

Image: Dr. Danilo Di Salvo (CEO, HTMS), Mr. Richard Lindoe (MD, Armstrong Group) & Mr. Adam Grace (Director, Armstrong Group)

The MoU was signed at Advanced Engineering 2024, where HTMS were invited to exhibit on the Armstong Group stand to show case the combined capabilities of the new partnership.
