National Composites Centre
What we do:
The National Composite Centre is a research and development facility focused on advanced composite materials.
These materials are lightweight, strong, and versatile, making them ideal for various high-tech industries, including aerospace, automotive, and energy.
Composite materials are made by combining two or more different materials to create a new one that has improved properties. For example, a common composite is a mix of plastic and glass fibres. This combination results in a material that is both lightweight and very strong, which is better than using just one of those materials alone. Another is Known for its use in bulletproof vests, Kevlar is a strong, lightweight fibre that is also used in aerospace and automotive applications.
Composites are useful for technology because they can be designed to meet specific needs. For instance, in the aerospace industry, lighter materials help planes fly more efficiently and save fuel. In the automotive industry, stronger composites can make cars safer while reducing weight, which also improves fuel efficiency.
For People and Planet :
Sustainability is a key consideration in all NCC’s engineering work to ensure environmental impact is minimised.
Composites let us design and make better products. From lightweighting vehicles and aircraft to reduce emissions, adding strength and flexibility to super-turbine blade design, to increasing product lifespans by decades through corrosion resistance and durability.
Composites already play an important role in driving decarbonisation. But there is more to do.
A key part of their work lies in creating a future using sustainable composites by combining expertise to define a new generation of products that will create a greener, cleaner future for all.
Currently only 15% of composites produced in the UK each year will be reused or recycled at their end-of-life.
To answer this challenge NCC needs to accelerate the capabilities of recycling our composites, extracting the maximum potential from every strand of high performance fibre.
Why we do it:
The NCC helps companies innovate by providing access to cutting-edge technology, expert guidance, and specialized equipment. They work on projects that improve the design and manufacturing processes of composite materials, making them more efficient and cost-effective.
By collaborating with the NCC, high-tech companies can develop better products that are lighter and more durable, which can lead to improved performance and lower fuel consumption. This is particularly important in industries like aviation and electric vehicles, where reducing weight can significantly enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
