Next-Generation Materials: The Rise of Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) in High-Performance Industries
David King, Principal Engineer at NCC , and Tom Gould, Managing Director of Verder Scientific UK, recently discussed the growing importance of Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) and the critical role Carbolite plays as a long-term supplier of high-temperature furnace technology.
This collaboration has enabled NCC to deliver advanced manufacturing solutions to industry, most notably through the introduction of the HTK high-temperature furnace, strengthening the UK’s capability in processing next-generation materials.
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Filmed at NCC , the interview explores how CMC materials are becoming essential across aerospace, aviation, hypersonics, and fusion energy applications. As industries demand materials that can operate reliably in extreme environments, CMCs are emerging as a key solution, while also presenting challenges around cost, scalability, and supply chains.
What Are Ceramic Matrix Composites?
Ceramic Matrix Composites combine the high-temperature resistance and refractory properties of ceramics with the toughness of composites and the strength of metals. First developed by NASA in the 1970s, CMCs overcome the inherent brittleness of traditional ceramics, offering significantly improved fracture resistance. Today, with hypersonic technologies gaining momentum in the UK and globally, CMCs are increasingly seen as a material of choice for extreme thermal and mechanical conditions.
Applications in Aerospace, Energy, and Beyond
CMCs are already used in the hot sections of gas turbines, enabling higher operating temperatures and improved engine efficiency compared to conventional superalloys. They also play a vital role in thermal protection systems for space vehicles and are being actively explored for nuclear fusion reactors, where materials must withstand intense heat and radiation over long periods.
Advancing UK Manufacturing Capability
Despite their potential, CMCs face barriers such as high production costs and restricted global supply chains. To address this, NCC is leveraging its expertise in polymer composites and pyrolysis-based manufacturing. Supported by Carbolite’s advanced furnace technology, including the HTK system, NCC can now develop and manufacture prototype CMC components at temperatures up to 2,500 °C, helping bridge the gap between research, testing, and real-world industrial deployment. By strengthening domestic capability in CMC processing, the NCC and its partners are positioning the UK at the forefront of advanced materials manufacturing for future high-performance industries.