Ceramic composites at ceramitec
Composites provide solutions. In almost inexhaustible combinations, they permeate entire industries with genuine innovation. We give you an overview. From the basic definition to the actual application, we provide practical information on what this all-rounder can already do today, and what you can discover at ceramitec.
Innovations through ceramic composites
Climate change is forcing us to use resources efficiently. It is one of the strongest drivers for new technologies and solutions. That applies especially to the energy-intensive ceramics industry. Ceramic composites are a powerful lever for greater energy efficiency. Ceramitec will become the platform for manufacturers, users and scientists who deal with raw materials, manufacturing processes, and applications of this still young material. The focus of the trade fair is primarily on fiber composites. They have pioneering applications in many sectors. With the special show “Smart Materials & Energy Hub”, ceramitec brings together the latest research results, innovative technologies, and new solutions to current challenges in the ceramics industry.
Ceramic composites are multi-talented
Ceramic composites are regarded as all-rounders. Depending on their composition, they are temperature-resistant, dimensionally stable, and conduct or insulate electricity and heat. They outperform other materials, especially under extreme conditions. These include lightweight and tensile-strength fiber composites, thermally conductive metal matrix composites (MMC), robust concrete, or indestructible wood-plastic composites (WPC).
Composites consist of two or more different materials that reinforce the advantages of each other or compensate for the disadvantages. Metallic, mineral, organic, and ceramic materials are bonded together in layers via fibers or particles. The word composite – with the emphasis on the second syllable – means put together, which is why it is also referred to as a composite material.
Ceramic matrix composites – CMC materials for short – are the all-rounders among the multi-talented ceramic composites. As fiber composites, their ceramic fibers are surrounded by a ceramic matrix. Similar to a kernmantle rope in mountaineering, both components buffer damage with extreme flexibility. CMC materials are also temperature-resistant and hence predestined for extreme environments such as gas turbines, aircraft engines, or spacecraft.
Fast-growing market for ceramic composites
The versatility of these all-rounders is reflected in the Fortune Business market report for ceramic matrix composites. High demand from the aerospace and defense industries, as well as the energy sector, is driving the market. Components for heat protection systems, combustion chambers, and turbine blades are particularly in demand.
The only limiting factor for market growth is the high production costs. At ceramitec in Munich, manufacturers, users, and scientists will discuss the progress that has been made in research and development, and in manufacturing processes.
The world’s leading manufacturers of CMC composites
Due to the presence of a large number of manufacturers, North America is the largest and fastest growing market, followed by Europe. According to Fortune, the biggest players in the global ceramic matrix composites market are General Electric, Rolls Royce, CFC Carbon, SGL Carbon, Kyocera Corporation, and Axiom Materials.
The entire range of composites at ceramitec
At ceramitec in Munich, visitors will find solutions and technologies from the entire range of ceramic composites. Among other things, manufacturers of metal ceramics, also known as metal matrix composites (MMC), will be showcasing applications where low weight is required. Exhibitors of especially strong and heat-resistant glass ceramics are conquering other areas of medical technology. The carbon fiber reinforced carbon ceramic as a silicon carbide composite will be at the trade fair with innovative applications and new manufacturing processes. In combination with concrete, ceramics show what they are capable of, and not just with patio slabs.
Producing ceramic fiber composites
Compared to conventional materials, producing ceramic composites is still very complex and expensive. Against the backdrop of virtually unlimited potential, manufacturers, users, and researchers at ceramitec will discuss the latest advances in materials, processes and systems with state-of-the-art know-how. The trade fair offers innovations that can be used to improve laying and fixing fibers, to incorporate ceramic matrix materials, or to post-treat finished components. In current applications, research institutes will show how the matrix is constructed, and how the fibers have to be coated.
Properties of ceramic composites
As a still young material, ceramic composites, especially in the form of CMC ceramics, are proving themselves in many applications. Depending on the material composition, they are particularly
- heat-resistant even with rapid temperature changes
- dimensionally stable and strong, with high damage tolerance due to non-brittle fracture behavior
- wear-resistant even under corrosive, chemical or mechanical effects
- lightweight and yet stronger than many other materials
- conductive or insulating, whether electrical or thermal
Experience the exhibitors at ceramitec
Worlds come together at ceramitec. Ceramic expertise meets the challenges of a wide range of industries. Leading institutes, most notably the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS, will share new research results. From startup to leading supplier, plant engineers, manufacturers, and users will network at ceramitec, which, as a networking platform, becomes a one-stop store for ceramic solutions.
FAQ's - Frequently asked questions
Ceramic composites are used wherever there are extreme conditions. There is great demand from the aerospace, defense, and energy sectors, but the automotive industry and medical technology are also relying on the still young material.
Depending on the composition of the materials, ceramic composites are particularly temperature-resistant, dimensionally stable, wear-resistant, lightweight, and conductive.
In combination with glass, metal, carbon, but also concrete or other materials, ceramic composites can be found across the entire spectrum, from ceramic hobs in the home to dentures, and a host of industrial applications, to rockets in space.
A ceramic composite basically comprises of two or more materials. They combine in layers, or via their fibers and particles.