Research and development

Research and development capabilities are led by the Technical Director with a network of materials scientists and process engineers across operations. They work with customers to engineer solutions that address their needs. The Division also undertakes research in collaboration with leading universities in Europe and North America.

For technical ceramic applications, internal research and development for components and sub-assemblies has been focused on product development for the medical, renewable energy and water filtration markets. A number of patents are in process to protect our intellectual property in these areas. Developments include new technologies for implantable devices that will enable higher density electronic implantable devices for applications such as neurostimulation. This is a relatively new medical implant application but with high growth opportunities as it addresses a variety of illnesses and conditions. Renewable energy and the supporting infrastructure continue to find new applications for ceramics. Water filtration using ceramic technology has also started to become an active area of development as ceramics can be controlled and outperform many other material solutions. The majority of the Division’s research and development into thermal management solutions is carried out at the Division’s Bromborough, UK site in a purpose-built world-class facility. With 25 dedicated scientists, the team has led the market in the development of low bio-persistent fibres, low-energy furnace operation and product development. The role of low bio-persistent fibres is seen as being of increasing importance in the future of the high-temperature insulation market and so research and development activities have been directed towards extending our product range in this area.