Composites UK and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) brought industry and research experts together on 17 November for Composites in Extreme Environments, a collaborative event hosted at NPL in Teddington.
The event explored how composite materials can be developed, tested and validated for use in some of the most demanding operating conditions, from extreme temperatures and lightning strikes to fire, impact, subsea applications and other challenging environments.
With applications spanning aerospace, defence, energy, marine and advanced manufacturing, the programme examined the materials, technologies and testing approaches needed to demonstrate reliable performance and support wider adoption.
The agenda featured contributions from organisations including Lucideon, the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), ATL, CFP Composites, Queen’s University Belfast, Base Materials, the NCC and NPL. A specialist defence-sector perspective also explored the performance requirements and considerations that influence the use of composite materials in extreme environments.
Topics will include ceramic matrix composites for high-temperature structural applications, scaling up silicon carbide composites, novel polysiloxane carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials for high-temperature safety applications, virtual testing frameworks for composite damage, and the whole-life performance of subsea buoyancy materials.
The afternoon session turned to extreme damage mechanisms, including protective ceramic coatings for polymer composites exposed to laser ablation, alongside the challenges of measurement in cryogenic environments.
The event concluded with an optional tour of NPL, offering attendees the opportunity to learn more about the organisation’s facilities and work in measurement science.
Claire Whysall, Marketing and Communications Manager at Composites UK, said: “Composite materials offer significant opportunities across a wide range of industries, but their use in demanding environments brings specific challenges around performance, durability and reliability. This event brought together expertise from across the supply chain to share knowledge, explore practical solutions and highlight the role of testing and validation in building confidence in composite materials for increasingly challenging applications.”
Dr Stefanos Giannis chaired the event & welcomed delegates to NPL, which provided measurement expertise and facilities supporting research, innovation and industrial development.
Sponsorship opportunities and a table-top exhibition spaces are available, providing organisations with the opportunity to showcase their expertise, products and services to an audience working across advanced materials, testing and performance assurance.
Further information can be found via the website: www.compositesuk.co.uk/events
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