£500mln plan to manufacture ceramic matrix composites in the UK
Materials consultancy Lucideon has created the blueprint that it claims will build a secure, sovereign manufacturing capability.
Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) feature ceramic fibres embedded in a ceramics matrix, designed to deliver exceptional performance in a lightweight format and withstand ultra-high temperature environments, as well as thermal and mechanical shock.
Lucideon is developing techniques and processes to manufacture CMCs, with the incorporation of new companies Oxide Ceramic Systems Ltd. and Non-Oxide Ceramic Systems Ltd to take the activity forward.
A site at Keele University Science Park in Staffordshire is earmarked to support industry in the neighbouring regions and provide a strategic geographical location for supply and inward investment.
The costs to deliver the facility are estimated at more than £500mln over the next seven to 10 years, to cover equipment, people, research and technology development, as well as suitable buildings, validation and certification.
Lucideon leads on the joint venture with industry partners, alongside key research and development partners, including Lucideon’s Centre for Advanced Ceramics (AMRICC).
As well as private funding, the plan requires a further investment of just over £200mln from the government.
