Agenda

Senergy will present an overview of its latest thermally conductive polymer technologies, highlighting their relevance across a range of industries. The talk will include a brief simulation study and thermal mapping comparison, illustrating how different processing techniques can influence thermal conductivity. By showcasing measurable improvements achieved through manufacturing variation, we aim to demonstrate how material performance can be optimised for real-world applications. This session will also provide a general introduction to thermally conductive polymers (TCPs), their unique advantages, and the growing number of sectors where they offer a lightweight, corrosion-resistant alternative to traditional metal solutions.

Presented by: Dr. Sean Duffy, Principal Scientist, Senergy Innovations

INNOVATEST is the largest manufacturer of advanced hardness testing and material characterisation machines globally. This presentation looks at the important role of materials testing, and more specifically hardness testing in ensuring the integrity of materials. It will cover methods, standards and advances in technology in the areas of hardness testing and material characterisation.

Presented by: John Piller, Managing Director, INNOVATEST UK

Presented By: Dr. Christian Miesner, Vice President Battery & Cell Testing

As materials become more complex, so must the methods used to characterise them. This session will delve into state-of-the-art characterisation tools—from spectroscopy and microscopy to data-driven approaches—used to understand and optimise materials at the atomic and molecular levels. Panellists will discuss how new capabilities are unlocking innovations in design, performance, and sustainability. 

Discussion Points: 

• What are the limitations of current characterisation techniques, and how are they being overcome? 

• How is the integration of AI and machine learning transforming data interpretation in characterisation? 

• What role does characterisation play in the development of novel or multifunctional materials? 

• How can characterisation approaches better support cross-disciplinary collaboration (e.g., between materials science and data science)? 

• What are the infrastructure and skills needed to keep up with next-generation characterisation demands? 

The performance of advanced carbon materials is highly dependent on exact parameters of the primary material particles. Many producers and users of advanced carbons have an incomplete picture or understanding of the materials they are working with.

This session will explore useful characterization techniques that are used to measure quality and repeatability.

The journey from lab discovery to real-world adoption for advanced materials is complex, slow-moving, and continuously evolving. Graphene is now entering broader commercial adoption, with companies beginning to build scalable business models that show real traction.

In this session, Dr Ellie Galanis, Levidian’s Director of Commercial Development, shares insights from Levidian’s ongoing efforts to industrialise its proprietary LOOP technology which converts methane into hydrogen and graphene, enabling carbon reduction at source.

What insights is Levidian gathering from its experience so far and how might these contribute to broader thinking around commercialisation, systems integration, and long-term impact in the advanced carbon ecosystem?

Levidian is a Verified Graphene Producer.

We will be sharing the work and lessons learned from designing and delivering test rigs, as well as executing full battery validation plans across all testing disciplines, from mechanical to electrical and more.

Presented By: Abrahan Marquez Garcia, Battery Principal Test Engineer, Element Materials Technology

This session will spotlight the evolving landscape of materials testing, from traditional methods to cutting-edge techniques that enhance reliability, speed, and sustainability. Experts will explore how AI, automation, and in-situ methods are reshaping testing processes to meet the demands of high-performance industries. Attendees will gain insights into how innovations in testing are enabling safer, more efficient product development and manufacturing. 

Discussion Points: 

• What are the most pressing challenges in materials testing today (e.g., speed, scalability, cost)? 

• How are non-destructive and in-situ testing methods evolving, and what benefits do they offer? 

• In what ways is AI enabling predictive testing and adaptive testing protocols? 

• How can testing processes support the adoption of sustainable materials and circular economy goals? 

• What’s needed to futureproof testing protocols against regulatory and performance expectations? 

The electric vehicle market is experiencing a boom and with it battery manufacturing. There is a demand for high performing batteries that can be manufactured as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. Plasmatreat demonstrates which production processes can be optimized with plasma technology.

Presented By: Jonathan Fisk, Managing Director, Plasmatreat UK Ltd.

Lord Vallance, Minister for Science at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will address attendees and highlight the recent work the department has been undertaking in the Advanced Materials space.

Lord Vallance, Minister for Science at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will address attendees and highlight the recent work the department has been undertaking in the Advanced Materials space.

Ceramic additive manufacturing is unlocking new possibilities across advanced engineering and high-performance industries. This session explores how pushing beyond conventional boundaries is enabling novel applications—from extreme heat resistance to complex geometries unattainable through traditional methods. We’ll examine standout use cases, discuss how to rethink design for ceramic AM, and consider the current limitations holding it back. Whether you’re looking to enhance product functionality or explore new manufacturing strategies, this session will provide insight into how ceramic 3D printing is transforming what’s possible—and what’s next. 

• What are the most compelling use cases where ceramic additive manufacturing has outperformed traditional methods? 

• How can engineers and designers adapt their thinking to fully exploit the unique capabilities of ceramic 3D printing? 

• What are the current limitations of ceramic AM—and what developments are needed to overcome them? 

The single greatest, yet often overlooked, challenge in the energy sector today is the outdated and increasingly inadequate traditional wires-based energy grid. Designed for centralised, one-way power flow, it creates a critical bottleneck that is growing wider every day. It simply isn’t flexible, agile, or resilient enough to support the massive energy demands of global electrification, the intermittency of renewables, or to get us to Net Zero and true energy security.

PowerUp directly addresses this challenge by providing a decentralised, dynamic Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) solution that bypasses this grid bottleneck. Our Battery-based Energy Distribution (BEDS) system, with its network of hot-swappable batteries intelligently managed by AI, acts as a ‘Virtual Wire’ network. This innovative approach fundamentally changes how kWhs are moved, ensuring energy is available precisely at the point of use, when and where it’s required, without relying on complex, costly, and slow grid upgrades. PowerUp’s intelligence, embedded via a harmonics processor and AI, recognises connected equipment and precisely analyses power consumption, enabling us to accurately predict when batteries will run out of charge and plan just-in-time swaps.

At the heart of this system are MEP’s smaller, modular 2kWh batteries. Designed to be the electric version of the fossil fuel jerry can, these highly versatile packs enable direct power for everything from 2 and 3-wheelers to heavy construction equipment like cement mixers, tractors, diggers, road breakers, road saws, and pumping stations, as well as providing backup power.

Presented By: David Collinson, Co-Founder/Director, PowerUp Off-Grid Services and Colin Arnold, Green Technology Specialist, MEP Technology

Rockfort have recently delivered a number of sub-six month battery design and build projects, some of which included integrated solid state technologies providing protection and distribution functionality.    In this talk, Angus Lyon will explain how Rockfort got to this point and what can be achieved in terms of delivering rapid development and deployment high and low voltage batteries without losing sight of cost, reliability and safety requirements.

Presented By: Angus Lyon BEng (Hons), CEng, MIET, Director, Rockfort Engineering

Presented By: Landen MacDonald, Regional Sales Associate, C-Therm on behalf of Merrow Scientific

As vehicle OEMs rapidly transition to electric (EV) and hydrogen (H₂) propulsion systems, the demands on thermal management systems have evolved significantly. The shift away from combustion powertrains introduces new energy flow pathways, system integration requirements, and environmental constraints that legacy approaches can no longer address efficiently. This presentation explores recurring challenges observed across OEM thermal strategies. By highlighting these challenges and their implications, we aim to inform future-ready design thinking and systems integration.

Presented by: Daniel Jackson, Business Development Director, Calatherm

Machine learning is transforming how we design, produce, and optimise sustainable materials. This panel explores how AI-driven modelling accelerates material discovery, reduces waste, and enhances performance across industries. Experts will discuss real-world applications, from improving manufacturing efficiency to predicting material properties with precision. What challenges remain in integrating AI into traditional workflows? How can data-driven insights drive more sustainable choices? Join us to explore the intersection of machine learning and materials science—and what it means for the future of innovation and sustainability. 

Discussion Points:  

• How is machine learning accelerating the discovery and development of sustainable materials, and what breakthroughs have we seen so far? 

• What are the biggest challenges in integrating AI-driven optimisation into existing material production processes? 

• How can machine learning help balance sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and performance in material design? 

• What role does data quality and availability play in the success of AI models for sustainable materials innovation? 

This talk will explore the challenges of transitioning to electrification from a cross-sector perspective, highlighting battery demand size and characteristics through to 2035. It will examine potential electrification scenarios across key UK sectors—including automotive, heavy-duty on- and off-road vehicles, energy storage, aerospace, marine, and rail—and identify synergies in battery performance requirements. The session will also outline strategic developments and correlate them with investment trends supporting sector-wide electrification.

Presented By: Dr. Thomas Bartlett, Deputy Director, Faraday Battery Challenge (UKRI)

Every ESS is unique in its dimensions, battery types, goals and location of deployment. In this session, Mark Kendall will explore the various methods of protecting an ESS and more importantly nearby people from the effects of thermal runaway, which may include fire, explosion and off gassing.

Presented By: Mark Kendall, Director – Fire Solutions Group UK & Europe

Presented By: Raymon Yu, Vice President, Zoolnasm

Making wide, high-quality cross-sections of electrodes is critical to give a proper understanding of cell structures and performance. See how coating thickness, tortuosity, binder distribution, SEI formation or particle cracking can be studied more precisely than ever before with ultra-wide broad ion-beam cross-sections and AI image analysis.

Presented By: Mike Dixon, Sales and Applications Manager, Hitachi High-Tech Europe GmbH

Heat (e.g., thermal energy) management is an ineradicable part of any engineering solution. In all cases, the challenge ranges from providing unrestricted heat flow to full thermal insulation. Energy efficiency depends on detailed knowledge and understanding of the design for heat management. Practical solutions are based on well-developed and recently crafted materials. Contemporary engineering requirements can only be met by composite materials or by complex material combinations. The biggest challenges arise due to limited data and our imperfect ability to model heat propagation through material interfaces. There is a limited understanding and faculty to design complex materials for their thermal properties. The solution is to measure heat propagation reliably in the most adverse circumstances. Inomorph Ltd presents InoTherm, an instrument that measures thermal conductivity fast and reliably for solids, liquids and pastes. We will provide and discuss examples of thermal conductivity measurements for a broad selection of materials. InoTherm can also be used to assess thermoelectric materials by measuring the Seebeck voltage. The instrument can support the development and provide a quality assessment of advanced ceramics, thermal interface materials (TIM), rechargeable batteries. and thermal insulation.

Presented By: Vladimr Vishnyakov, Company Founder, Director, Inomorph

This talk will explore the challenges of transitioning to electrification from a cross-sector perspective, highlighting battery demand size and characteristics through to 2035. It will examine potential electrification scenarios across key UK sectors—including automotive, heavy-duty on- and off-road vehicles, energy storage, aerospace, marine, and rail—and identify synergies in battery performance requirements. The session will also outline strategic developments and correlate them with investment trends supporting sector-wide electrification.

Presented By: Ben Walsh, Deputy Director, Faraday Battery Challenge (UKRI)

Materials, and electrode development, are key areas where batteries succeed or fail. Optimisation of properties including particle size distribution and porosity are critical to effective packing and to maximise chance of success. This talk will detail how CPI’s new AMBIC centre for inorganic material scale up can influence these parameters, and how automation of R&D can be used to optimise electrodes and accelerate prototype development.

Presented By: Dr. Robert Mitchell, Principal Scientist – Energy Materials, CPI

Discover how comprehensive cybersecurity extends beyond firewalls, safeguarding the entire digital infrastructure of your plant from production floor to cloud systems. Learn how to protect critical operations, ensure data integrity, and maintain seamless, secure workflows across your plant ecosystem.

Presented By: Rickard Gustafsson, Sr, Automation Solution Architect for Battery Projects

The dramatic growth in demand for advanced carbon nano materials has been highlighted by several recent studies. Projections of graphene and advanced carbon demand over the next five to 10 years range from a CAGR of 30% to 40%. Clearly, there is a need for techniques for mass-production of advanced carbon nanomaterials. Elemental Advanced Materials has developed a continuous feed method to produce carbon nano materials from unrecyclable materials such as landfill-plastics, long lasting waste hydrocarbon rich wastes, or hydrocarbon rich gases and liquids (acetylene, ethylene, methane, etc.). Advanced carbon nanomaterials have been tested as a strengthening additive to thermoplastics, resins, urethanes, concrete, asphalt and epoxies and as a base material for (super)capacitors and batteries replacing expensive and highly functionalized carbon.

Semiconductors are a critical technology underpinning the prosperity, resilience and security of society. Rapid progress is driven by continued introduction of new foundry processes, chip architectures, advanced packaging and novel materials. Semiconductor manufacture is a global industry but the UK has specific areas of strength related to advanced materials including R&D, compound semiconductors and equipment manufacture. This panel of industry and innovation experts will discuss trends at the frontier of advanced semiconductor materials, ongoing challenges and opportunities for the UK in the future of the semiconductor industry. 

Discussion Points:  

• What are the key trends in advanced semiconductor materials, and how are they shaping the future of the industry? 

• What challenges does the UK face in maintaining and expanding its strengths in semiconductor R&D, compound semiconductors, and equipment manufacturing? 

• How can the UK leverage its expertise in advanced materials to remain competitive in the global semiconductor industry? 

• What role do new foundry processes, chip architectures, and advanced packaging play in driving innovation, and how can UK industry capitalise on these developments? 

Come and take part in a special live recording of Goodfellow’s popular podcast, Innovation Discussed, as we explore the fascinating world of microfabrication and its pivotal role in the realm of advanced materials. In this panel, we’ll delve into the advantages of microfabrication, from enhancing material properties to enabling groundbreaking applications and answer questions for the next episode. 

In this panel, we will explore some of the challenges related to enabling sustainable materials and their circularity, and the role that measurement can play in supporting the adoption and scaling of these materials. We will discuss ongoing research into materials sustainability, from biomaterials to recycling. Industrial speakers will explore their applications of sustainable materials, and how measurement has helped their adoption and scaling. 

As aerospace demands push further—higher speeds, longer ranges, and tougher environments—the materials enabling these advances must keep pace. This panel explores the cutting-edge of aerospace material innovation, focusing on the delicate balance between high performance, long-term durability, and commercial viability. Industry leaders will discuss the role of composites, alloys, and hybrid materials in shaping the next generation of air and space vehicles. From design to deployment, we’ll examine the pressures driving innovation and the realities of scaling new material technologies in a risk-averse, cost-sensitive sector. 

Discussion Questions: 

• What are the most promising new materials redefining weight-to-strength ratios in aerospace applications? 

• How can manufacturers optimise material selection without compromising performance or inflating costs? 

• What role do novel composites and ceramics play in extending aircraft lifespans and reducing maintenance? 

• How are supply chain constraints influencing the development and adoption of next-gen aerospace materials?  

It is now two decades since the isolation of graphene by Geim and Novoselev at the University of Manchester. The initial euphoria resulting from the confirmation of theoretical predictions of unique electronic band structures for graphene as a truly 2D material, created a steady parade of structures and esoteric devices with superlative performance that have continually whetted the appetite for graphene to be incorporated in a myriad of different electronic, photonic and sensing products. The realisation of these commercially viable products in this electronics space has, however, been conspicuously slow to materialise. In many ways the simplicity of the methodology used in this original isolation has perpetuated a general mode of film transfer where demonstration vehicles are relatively easy to demonstrate, yet, often find considerable challenges when considering scale-up into commercial manufacturing.

To directly address this scale-up challenge, Paragraf has pursued growth and subsequent processing of graphene films by what could be considered industry standard methods. Films are grown, remain and are processed on semiconductor grade substrates using commercially available wafer fab processes. Through this strategy, Paragraf is not only able to demonstrate the ability to exploit the esoteric properties afforded by 2D materials, but is also addressing standard semiconductor industry process approaches to delivering stable, reliable graphene-based products at volume. What we present here is an overview and use-cases for the methodologies used within Paragraf aimed at growth of 2D films of exceptional quality that are subsequently processed to retain and deliver properties required by their final products.

Nanum develops advanced functional carbon nanomaterials—including graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide—tailored for high-performance applications in energy storage, anticorrosive coatings, polymer composites, lubricants, and concrete. This talk highlights structure–property relationships, processing strategies, and key results from real-world industrial partnerships. Cutting-edge data and scalable solutions demonstrate how Nanum is bridging nanotechnology and market demands.

The Advanced Carbons Council has been running an ongoing testing project with the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) based at Auburn University. Following the “Superpave” protocols, eight (8) different forms of graphene have been tested head to head at a range of loadings in bitumen to measure the impact on key asphalt performance metrics, including stability, short and long term aging, thermal operating ranges and rutting performance.

Learn how different types and forms of graphene positively impact the performance of asphalt with major implications for improving the operating life of roadways, thereby reducing the costs and the environmental impacts.

Although Carbon Nano Tubes (CNTs) have been around for more than 3 decades commercially, they have really grown in use in the last couple of years. Today, it is estimated that more than 20,000 mtns a year are consumed, mostly in batteries but increasingly in composites, coatings, electronics and other applications.

The Advanced Carbons Council created an updated market report, verifying more than 125 current producers of CNTs including single and multi-wall products. We have also examined the growing market of CNT companies that do not actually make CNTs but specialize in converting then into other useful materials or devices.

We will share excerpts from the recently published Carbon Nano Tube Market Report.

TrimTabs was founded to address the persistent gap between high-performance CNT properties and the practical demands of industrial users, we are building a platform designed for real-world modular deployment.

This presentation will introduce TrimTabs’ mission, outline the development of our production systems to date, and explore the commercial strategy we are executing as we bring our technology to market. I will share an overview of the rationale behind our core design decisions, and how our production platform is structured to deliver reliable, scalable output in formats that align with market needs.

Ceramic production can go green—starting today! There are many options: Use of locally sourced and mostly recycled raw materials to reduce carbon footprint. Enhance efficiency with smart digital furnace technologies and transition to cleaner energy sources for kilns. Reformulate traditional recipes to eliminate harmful substances and achieve lower heat requirements across all production steps. Minimize waste through top-tier quality control and intelligent production planning. Streamline logistics and switch to eco-friendly packaging. Conserve energy and water with closed-loop systems and dry shaping methods. Design products to be lighter, stronger, and built to last. And most importantly—plan for recycling right from the start. Let’s make ceramics cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable! 

Focusing on one or two key challenge areas in the energy transition, this session brings together a cross-section of the materials ecosystem—including funding bodies, national institutes, academia, supply chain manufacturers, and end users. Together, they’ll explore how to better coordinate efforts across the sector to ensure the right research is funded and translated into scalable, usable technologies that energy companies can deploy at speed and scale. 

Set against the backdrop of the National Materials Innovation Strategy launched by Royce in 2025, this discussion aims to generate practical outcomes that could accelerate progress in materials innovation for the energy transition. 

Discussion Questions: 

• How can we shorten the timescales from concept to prototype to commercial scale-up? 

• What role can AI and machine learning play in accelerating development and deployment? 

• How do we create more effective end-to-end coordination across the supply chain, rather than siloed efforts? 

• What role should funding agencies and national labs play in connecting the system and guiding innovation? 

• What are the key barriers to deployment—such as levelized cost of energy—and how can we address them collectively? 

• How can we overcome IP and ownership challenges that arise from joint development across the ecosystem? 

Ceramic 3D printing holds immense promise for advanced manufacturing, but it remains a niche within the broader additive landscape. High machine costs, limited market players, and the absence of established manufacturers in the service sector have all hindered widespread adoption. This panel will examine the core technical, commercial, and cultural barriers preventing ceramic additive manufacturing from scaling. We’ll explore what it would take to shift the industry from R&D and prototyping into full-scale production and real-world application. 

Discussion points:  

What are the current technical limitations preventing broader use of ceramic 3D printing? 

• How can the cost and accessibility of ceramic additive machines be addressed? 

• What role should traditional ceramics manufacturers play in enabling this transition? 

• Is there a viable service model for ceramic 3D printing, or will it remain a captive capability? 

Graphene is poised to revolutionise the construction industry, offering enhanced strength, durability, and sustainability for materials like concrete. However, despite its promise, skepticism remains about its scalability and commercial viability. This session will explore the path to overcoming these barriers, focusing on the real-world applications of graphene in construction. Panelists will discuss the challenges of scaling production, performance advantages, and how industry leaders can collaborate to drive widespread adoption. Join us as we explore how graphene can disrupt traditional materials and shape the future of construction by turning potential into reality. 

Discussion Points:  

• What are the key technological and production challenges in scaling graphene for use in construction materials, and how are these being addressed? 

• How does graphene-enhanced concrete compare to traditional concrete in terms of strength, durability, and cost, and what real-world applications are proving its value? 

• What barriers—both technical and regulatory—are preventing wider adoption of graphene in the construction industry, and how can these be overcome? 

• How can industry leaders and innovators work together to dispel skepticism and drive confidence in the performance and economic viability of graphene-based construction materials? 

Sophisticated supply chains in the building and transportation sectors increasing demand to know the carbon burden of the materials going into their products. That means for advanced carbons producers that are unable to provide a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) or an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), they will be shut out as a supplier.

Together with our project sponsors at the Mississippi Polymer Institute (MPI) and a group of volunteers, the Advanced Carbons Council is working to develop the Product Category Rules that will govern how LCA’s for the production of graphene will be calculate and how those LCA’s can be certified in order to issue the all important EPD.

Learn about the process and approach that is being taken using ISO 14040/14044 and how this initial effort can be used to develop similar programs for other advanced carbons, especially for CNT’s, Carbon Fiber and Reclaimed Carbons. The project will also include sample calculations of graphene in different use cases to demonstrate just how effectively it can be used to reduce embedded CO2.

Turquoise Group is an Australian private company pioneering unique methane pyrolysis technology, designed to produce bulk quantities of graphene powder at low cost. This technology has the potential to unlock large-scale adoption in key graphene markets and play a critical role in supporting global decarbonisation efforts.

This session will talk about how academic, curiosity-based research led to the discovery of chamber explosion synthesis to produce multi-layer fractal graphene aggregate (FGA). This will include a brief description of the chemistry and physics underlying the method, properties of the product, and potential applications of and commercial vision for FGA produced by HydroGraph Clean Power, Inc. An overview comparison of other commercially produced graphenes will also be made. HydroGraph FGA is a multilayer, nanographene in aggregate form produced by an ISO9001 Certified, exothermic process with a benign environmental footprint.

Galvorn is the lightest, strongest, and most flexible conductive material on the planet. DexMat’s Co-Founder & CTO, Dmitri Tsentalovich, PhD., will discuss how DexMat has achieved a 3000x scale-up in Galvorn production, simultaneously reducing costs by 99.6% to reach a critical inflection point: Galvorn offers superior performance and now price competitiveness to meet increasing market demand. Galvorn’s unique properties—80% less dense than copper yet 50x stronger—deliver significant weight reduction and enhanced durability. Join us to learn about DexMat’s groundbreaking customer applications in:

Aerospace: Lightweight wiring and EMI shielding for UAVs and aircraft, piezoresistive sensors in carbon fiber for structural health monitoring, and advanced lightning strike protection.

Beyond Aerospace: Galvorn’s transformative potential as a platform technology in e-textiles, energy, and automotive sectors, driving innovation and sustainability across industries.

Now DexMat has proven the ability to reclaim and recycle these materials demonstrating a highly sustainable approach to using advanced carbons. Learn about the process and what this means for true sustainability.

The demand for sustainable materials in polymer manufacturing has surged, driven by environmental concerns and regulatory pressures. We describe our ongoing efforts to show how GNPs can help our customers use less energy, improve recycled compounds, have more durable items, downgauge and lightweight products through our available GEM range of GNP enhanced masterbatches.

Cecilia explores a different end-of-life pathway for industrial plastics by converting them into carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and co-produced hydrogen through a continuous microwave process. The talk describes how Cecilia is transforming plastic waste into high-performance nanomaterials that could enhance structural composites, energy-storage systems, and other advanced-manufacturing applications, while simultaneously yielding a clean gaseous fuel.

The approach took shape while addressing the extreme mass and resupply limits of long-duration space missions, where closed-loop use of packaging and other polymer components is essential for mission viability. Those same constraints mirror opportunities on Earth: industrial plastic streams often contaminated and difficult to process with conventional recycling contain the carbon and hydrogen needed for local production of valuable materials. By drawing lessons from space-driven circularity and applying them to terrestrial infrastructure, Cecilia’s work offers a practical route from waste to value, aligning environmental responsibility with new economic potential in advanced materials manufacturing.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are exceptional nanomaterials offering superior electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. However, their strong tendency to agglomerate and influence viscosity makes controlled dispersion critical for successful application.

Proper formulation and the use of suitable dispersion methods—such as agitator bead mills—enable the optimal integration of CNTs, particularly as conductive additives in battery electrodes.

Low carbon concrete is increasingly in demand and in some municipalities, is a required material. The challenge has been to reduce the amount of cement in the concrete design mix without sacrificing strength, workability and setup times.

Graphene has been successfully used in the form of a liquid or powder admixture at extremely low load factors (less than 0.10% by weight) to reduce the amount of cement needed by more than 20%, thereby significantly reducing the embedded carbon.

In addition, the concrete retains its base properties and in many cases, achieves strength more rapidly while reducing water permeation over the long term, increasing the life of the concrete products.

The growing use of high value materials, like carbon fiber, and the need to find more sustainable approaches to our built environment are driving innovation at a rapid pace.

The last few decades have seen the emergence of entirely new classes of advanced nano carbons, like carbon nano tubes (CNTs), graphene and MXenes. These materials are now being applied on a fast growing commercial scale and offer solutions to challenging engineering problems across very broad sectors; from concrete to electronics, from coatings to composites, and from health care to transportation with many more in between.

With the push towards large scale hydrogen production, conversion of biomass into solid carbon and the need to dramatically reduce atmospheric CO2, we are truly entering the “Carbon Age”.

Learn about the emerging advanced carbon market trends and importantly, how all of these novel and valuable forms of carbon can work together to solve our most pressing engineering challenges while we also explore high volume off-take markets!

This presentation will showcase the results of a comprehensive, head-to-head evaluation of five distinct forms of graphene incorporated into LMPAEK, a cutting-edge, high-performance thermoplastic developed by Victrex. The primary objective was to assess and compare enhancements in mechanical properties enabled by different graphene materials.

Graphene was initially introduced at low loading levels to produce masterbatches, which were subsequently diluted and processed into final test coupons for rigorous mechanical testing.

The findings are especially relevant for aerospace applications, where LMPAEK-based fiber-reinforced composite tapes demand both high strength and reduced weight. This study provides critical insights for advancing lightweight, high-performance materials tailored for the next generation of aerospace components.

The session underscores the pivotal role of collaborative research in advancing materials science for energy solutions, emphasising the importance of academia-industry partnerships in fostering innovation and addressing energy challenges. Given that bp is a major integrated energy company, it is aware of the urgent need for advanced materials and technologies to meet the evolving requirements of the energy sector. This makes the insights and breakthroughs from ICAM particularly relevant, as they directly contribute to the industry’s efforts to transition towards sustainable and low carbon energy solutions. 

The “Midlands Advanced Ceramics for Industry 4.0” is a UKRI collaborative funded programme bringing together the advanced ceramics supply chain in the Midlands to provide economic growth for the sector through commercialisation of innovation. Launched at the Advanced Ceramics Show in 2022, it is now on its 4th year and making an impact around strategic areas such as new products, new processes, new services and cluster development. In this session, you will hear from some of the partners what they were able to achieve through collaboration and what are the tangible and intangible benefits they experienced. 

Advanced ceramics capable of conducting O²⁻, Na⁺, Li⁺, or electrons have broad potential across a range of technologies, ranging from metal waste recycling to energy conversion and storage systems. Lab-scale prototypes have been successfully developed and manufactured, demonstrating excellent conductivity performance. Notable examples include a bi-layer prototype of inert O²⁻-conducting ceramic anodes used in molten salt electrolysis for upgrading titanium waste, and Na⁺/Li⁺-conducting thin membranes designed for next-generation batteries. These ceramic materials show strong promise for enabling high efficiency, lowering energy consumption, and enhancing sustainability across diverse applications.  

This panel discussion will explore how material startups and SMEs are the key to driving the charge towards a net-zero future. We’ll delve into the crucial role they play in driving innovation, discuss the challenges they face, and highlight the importance of building a supportive network for their growth. We use the Manchester model used at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) as testament of an ecosystems which connects investors, innovators, and industry leaders, creating the partnerships needed to accelerate the development and scaling of sustainable material solutions.   

Discussion Points:  

• How can material startups and SMEs effectively bridge the gap between innovation and commercial viability to accelerate the transition to net zero?   

• What are the biggest barriers preventing material startups from scaling, and how can industry, investors, and policymakers collaborate to overcome them? 

• The Manchester model at GEIC demonstrates the power of ecosystem-building—what key lessons can other regions and sectors take from this approach to foster similar success?

The space environment offers distinct advantages for advanced ceramics — from improved microstructural uniformity to reductions in gravity-related defects. But it’s not just for astronauts and aerospace anymore. This talk explores how terrestrial industries, including additive manufacturing specialists, are beginning to harness microgravity to develop and process ultra-high-performance ceramics like silicon carbide. Learn how the European Space Agency’s Business in Space Growth Network (BSGN) is lowering the barrier for non-space companies to access orbit and redefine what’s possible in ceramics innovation. 

Discussion Points:  

• Explain why microgravity offers unique advantages for advanced ceramic processing and R&D. 

• Demonstrate how non-space companies can access and benefit from space-based infrastructure. 

• Introduce the BSGN Materials Accelerator as a key mechanism for commercial and research engagement with in-space manufacturing. 

Materials innovation is a key driver of UK economic growth, underpinning advancements in manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and infrastructure. By fostering collaboration between industry and academia, the UK can accelerate the commercialisation of novel materials, enhancing productivity and global competitiveness. This session will explore how strategic investment, regulatory support, and skills development can unlock economic potential. Panellists will discuss the role of digital tools, sustainability, and policy in driving materials-led growth, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of high-value manufacturing and innovation. 

Discussion Points 

• How can the UK improve the translation of cutting-edge materials research into commercial success, ensuring economic benefits stay within the country? 

• How can materials innovation contribute to a circular economy and strengthen supply chain resilience? 

• What role do AI, automation, and digital tools play in accelerating development and adoption? 

• What regulatory and funding frameworks are needed to position the UK as a leader in materials innovation? 

The ceramics sector faces significant skills gaps, from technical expertise to digital proficiency. This session explores the key challenges, including an ageing workforce, a shortage of new talent, and evolving industry demands. Panellists will examine obstacles such as limited training resources, outdated perceptions of the sector, and barriers to attracting younger workers. We’ll also highlight progress made in addressing these gaps, from apprenticeships to industry-led initiatives. Finally, the discussion will underscore the importance of continuous upskilling to future-proof the workforce, ensuring the sector remains competitive and innovative in an evolving manufacturing landscape. 

Discussion Points: 

• The main challenges/skills gaps experienced within the sector?  

• The obstacles to overcoming these challenges? 

• The progress being made to date in addressing the skills gaps? 

• Importance of upskilling for current workforce? 

2D materials such as graphene, hexagonal boron nitride and MXenes, are promising materials for aerospace and automotive industries due to their multifunctional properties.  Their exceptional characteristics make them potential game-changers in aerospace and automotive structures, with applications spanning thermosets, thermoplastics, elastomers, metals, and ceramics. However, despite the significant benefits that these 2D materials offers, several challenges remain in their integration into aerospace and automotive applications. These challenges include, but are not limited to, quality, material processing, and supply chain limitations, all of which must be addressed to fully unlock their potential. 

The Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) at the University of Manchester plays a pivotal role in tackling these challenges, working towards enabling 2D materials widespread adoption in next-generation aerospace and automotive structures. 

Advanced ceramics are essential to industries from aerospace to energy, offering durability, heat resistance, and specialised electrical properties. This session explores their critical applications, the challenges hindering wider adoption—such as high production costs and supply chain dependencies—and the urgency of overcoming these barriers. With global competition increasing, how can the UK strengthen its position in this vital sector? Experts will discuss strategies for investment, innovation, and policy support to ensure the UK remains a leader in advanced ceramics, securing economic and technological benefits for the future. 

Discussion Points: 

• Why advanced ceramics are so important and their key applications? 

• The challenges associated and why it’s vital we overcome them? 

• How might the UK better position itself in this vital field?  

Opening Address from Stage Sponsor, Goodfellow.

Simon Kenney, CEO of Goodfellow, welcomes you to the Advanced Materials Show, opens the Advanced Materials Forum stage and provides a concise overview of the rapidly evolving landscape of advanced materials, highlighting key trends and potential breakthroughs that will shape the future of technology and industry. Kenney will also briefly introduce the Goodfellow group of companies, including Goodfellow, Potomac Photonics, Suisse Technology Partners, and the Bureau of Analysed Samples, and their contributions to this dynamic field. 

Opening Keynote Address from Stage Sponsor, AMRICC

Once a quiet strength of the UK’s manufacturing heritage, ceramics are now stepping back into the global spotlight—driven by a thriving cluster building off traditional strengths but bolstered by a strong sense of innovation and future-focused ambition. This keynote charts the journey from regional expertise to national and international recognition, powered by the AMRICC Centre, Lucideon, and the MICG. Together, they are transforming an often-overlooked material into a vital enabler of sustainability, security, and competitiveness across many industries. Discover how this growing Advanced Ceramics cluster is positioning the UK at the forefront of cutting-edge manufacturing through unique materials critical to a resilient, high-tech future. 

In manufacturing, every unnecessary step during preparing material processes adds time, cost, and potential for errors. This talk explores innovative strategies to streamline workflows by eliminating redundant or inefficient steps while maintaining or even improving surface quality. We’ll discuss advancements in automation, and process optimisation that enable faster, improved results with fewer steps. Attendees will learn how to assess their current process, identify areas for improvement, and implement practical solutions to boost efficiency. Whether in metals, ceramics, nitride coatings, EV, Fasteners, Power Metallurgy Parts or Materialographic Preparation of Microelectronics or other Coatings, reducing steps can lead to significant gains in productivity, consistency, and overall operational success 

Discuss Points:  

• Common pitfalls and preparation defects, how to correct. 

• Consumables, understanding the differences and how to utilise them 

• Efficiency, how to get the most out of your consumables, equipment. 

From hypersonic flight to nuclear fusion and net-zero aviation, the UK’s most ambitious engineering challenges demand materials that can survive extreme heat, radiation, and oxidation. Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) are emerging as game-changers, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 3500°C—already revolutionising aviation with large-scale manufacturing in the US. 

Yet in the UK, adoption has been slow, hindered by high costs and dependence on overseas supply chains. Now, with major investments in high-temperature furnace capabilities, the UK is taking its first steps toward developing a sovereign CMC supply chain. This discussion explores the vast opportunities CMCs offer across aerospace, energy, and defence—and the critical hurdles that must be overcome to make widespread adoption a reality.