Composites
Composite materials consist of two different materials with different physical and chemical properties. When they are combined, they create a composite material which has superior properties to the original two materials.
Composites
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Typically, composite materials are used for their strength to weight, electrical insulation and fire properties. The two main types of composite materials used are carbon/epoxy (aerospace, automotive) and glass/polyester (marine, construction). In the UK, there is a vibrant aerospace, defence and automotive sector where composites are used for their lightweight properties.
In 2018, Innovate UK Business Connect convened a Materials for Composites Special Interest Group. This year-long project enabled knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and collaboration between composites-using sectors and the chemical and industrial biotechnology sectors.
To find out more about the scope, achievements and learnings from this group, download our report.
Related Opportunities
Innovation Exchange challenge: Binders or resins for recyclable biocomposite panels
Opens: 20/08/2025 Closes: 17/09/2025
The challenge is to identify and test a binder system (or alternative bio-resin or natural resin solution) that enables the product to be recycled or reprocessed.
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Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP): 2025 – 2026 Round 3
Opens: 16/06/2025 Closes: 17/09/2025
UK registered academic institutions, RTOs or Catapults, working with businesses or not for profits, can apply for a share of up to £9m.
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Innovate UK Innovation Loans Round 23
Opens: 04/09/2025 Closes: 22/10/2025
UK registered businesses can apply for loans for close to market innovative projects with strong commercial potential. They must significantly improve the UK economy and drive societal benefit.
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Related Events and Recordings
Related News
18/06/2024
Materials Research Exchange 2024: event highlights
Highlights from the Reimagining Materials and Manufacturing Together team, who attended this year’s Materials Research Exchange.
Read more
20/03/2023
Battery Caffè Podcast Episode 7: Advanced Materials for Batteries
The Battery Caffè is fully charged and we have a new episode for you this week. Listen to Episode 7 about advanced materials for batteries now.