National Composites Centre manufactures CMCs using AFP tech

The advance, a European first, aims to pave the way for high-temperature capabilities of these materials to be unlocked within engines.

Completed as part of the NCC’s Core Research Programme, the project is supported by Rolls-Royce, Reaction Engines, MBDA and 3M. It has demonstrated that a novel oxide-based ceramic tow-preg material from 3M can be used in automated deposition.

Whilst conventional Nickel based superalloys have a maximum continuous temperature of approximately 800°C, oxide-based CMCs can operate at 1000°C, with the higher operating temperature potentially improving the efficiency of aerospace engines and reducing fuel consumption and the subsequent CO2 emissions.

However, widespread use of CMCs is currently limited to high value applications, such as heat shields and turbine vanes. Being able to process a more affordable version of the material using AFP technology will reduce the final cost of making CMC parts, making them a more appealing proposition for industries who require components that can withstand high temperatures.