This project focuses on the development of new processes to manufacture light weight, super
strong material precursors based around a carbon-fibre backbone structure and a carbon
ceramic matrix.
These materials have many applications, including aircraft and automotive braking, rocket
motors, jet turbines and as lightweight protective armour.
Carbon ceramics are a relatively new product and costs are high, typically £750-£1000 for a
2kg brake disc. This project will advance new ideas and technologies to significantly enhance
the range and properties of available carbon-ceramics and reduce the manufacturing cost of
these products, in order to widen their use across a range of industries.
We propose the direct use of carbon fibre as a startinj.material, soutced from either recycled
carbon fibre, which is now becoming available, or virgin material manufactured from a
relatively low cost source. This material will then be processed and assembled into the desired
shapes and forms, using novel technology which, if successful, will be patented (preliminary
patent already filed).
This process is conceptually extremely cost effective (less than half the cost of current
technologies) and environmentally friendly with very low material waste levels and negligible
C02 or toxic emissions. Additional benefits will be to introduce the use of recycled carbon
fibre, and improve on product quality and time to manufacture (currently several months).