High Temperature Material Systems (HTMS, Bristol, U.K.), a company developing novel chemistries to deliver innovative ceramic matrix composites (CMC) in the U.K., has entered a partnership with Cranfield University (Bedford, U.K.) to work on the Low Cost Carbon-Carbon Composites (LC3) project.

The 6-month project, running until July 2025, will be used to develop and validate novel manufacturing processes so as to produce high-performance non-oxide ceramic composites at a significantly reduced cost. Research will explore novel production techniques, material formulations and process optimization to enhance affordability without sacrificing the integrity of the final product.
 

HTMS next-generation battery box concept. Source | High Temperature Material Systems Ltd.

Advanced CMC have long been sought after for their strength, durability and resistance to extreme conditions, though their high cost has posed a barrier to their widespread adoption. “We look forward to further strengthening our collaboration with Cranfield University, particularly with Dr. Geoff Neale and Dr. David Ayre, both of whom are experts in composites manufacturing,” says Danilo Di Salvo, CEO of HTMS. “There is a strong industry demand for affordable non-oxide CMC, and we recognize the potential in meeting this need.”

One of the project’s key goals 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 composites manufacturing by reducing material waste and energy consumption. 

HTMS’ path to advancing CMC materials extends through a recent bid to secure £43,000 in funding from the Niche Vehicle Network (NVN) for a feasibility study on electric vehicle (EV) battery boxes. Its success, alongside partner Raeon (Oxfordshire, U.K.), will enable HTMS to accelerate a material development program for use within a EV battery box systems. The project is due to run until April 25, 2025.

The 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 NVN. NVN supports organizations focused on enabling U.K. low-volume manufacturers and design and engineering companies to research and develop innovative zero tailpipe emission vehicle technologies.