Defence Materials Centre of Excellence launched

The UK's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory has set up the Defence Materials Centre of Excellence (DMEx).

The DMEx will create prototype materials for the armed forces that can withstand harsh environments, such as temperatures of 1,000°C, polar to tropical operations, high-impact vibrations, shock, blasts and extreme water depth.

The advanced materials range from body armour for armed personnel, protection from radiation of electronics in satellites and corrosion-resistant submarine components, with some for the benefit of civilian applications.

The £42.5mln partnership is led by the Henry Royce Institute for advanced materials and has 23 other partners from academia, industry and research organisations.

The Centre is set to open later in 2024.