Research Program 1

Composite Materials

Through this Program, we are addressing key challenges in materials so they meet automation, affordability and circular economy requirements.


We’re focusing on alternate material surfacing and specialist applications for specific high-value uses.


Our specific research projects, targeted outputs and proposed impact are as follows.


Affordable High-Performance Materials:


Development of low-cost carbon fibre and novel material systems and combinations for improved affordability

  • Overview

    Developing new-generation low-cost fibres and material systems to enable step-change in the competitiveness of composites in key industries.

  • Targeted outputs

    The development of cost-competitive composite materials will lower implementation costs, increase the adoption of composites in hydrogen, transportation and electric vehicles markets.

  • Projected impact

    A reduction in cost associated with composite materials, and an increase in the total market size of composites in the hydrogen, transportation and electric vehicles market.

Materials for Automation:


Materials tailored to robust operation in an automated manufacturing environment

  • Overview

    Composite material solutions for specific automated manufacturing scenarios with a focus on suitability for high-rate manufacture.

  • Targeted outputs

    Materials for automation will enable higher throughput in automated manufacturing, underlying productivity increases and opening automated manufacture of large structures.

  • Projected impact

    A reduction in inspection/testing cost and compliance cost in manufacturing and infrastructure industry relevant to composite material.

Surface Integration Technologies:


Surfacing materials and adhesion methods to enhance environmental resistance, durability, contact and impact mechanics

  • Overview

    Development of novel composite surfacing solutions and enhanced interfacial adhesion for superior environmental performance and composite longevity.

  • Targeted outputs

    Surface integration opens extreme environment applications and enhances longevity for composites, in particular the repair and infrastructure maintenance industry.

  • Projected impact

    An increase in the composite repairs market and a reduction in maintenance and repair services required for public infrastructure, the resources sector and heavy industrial infrastructure.

Specialist Application Materials:


Applications including marine, hydrogen storage, fire retardancy and large-scale automated forming

  • Overview

    Development of specialised material solutions including composite material solutions, performance data and processing methodologies suitable for partner-requested specialist applications.

  • Targeted outputs

    Hydrogen storage, autonomous marine vehicles and reinforcement of concrete infrastructure in marine environments. 

  • Projected impact

    A reduction in maintenance costs for public infrastructure, the resources sector and heavy industrial infrastructure, and a reduction in downtime and its impacts on operation in the oil and gas market.

Circular Economy Materials:


Use and re-use of waste and end-of-life composites as source materials for new structures

  • Overview

    Specialist material solutions for high recyclability including recovered fibres, recovered polymers and ground recycled materials.

  • Targeted outputs

    Economic and regulatory drivers will drive adoption of second life and recycled composites in multiple composites market sectors.

  • Projected impact

    Cost savings from the reduction in the glass fibre and carbon fibre waste disposed into landfills. Prevention of loss of market due to non-compliance of international standards on waste.

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