Advanced materials

Innovative advanced materials technologies make a direct and positive impact on economic growth, the environment and quality of life, through improved processes and products, throughout their lifecycle

Advanced materials explained

Advanced materials are defined here as materials and their associated process technologies, with the potential to be exploited in high value products, and are considered within four broad major categories:

• Structural materials.
• Functional materials.
• Multi-functional materials.
• Biomaterials.

In addition there are the important cross-cutting areas, including nanomaterials, modelling, design, metrology and standards, and manufacturing.

Advanced materials encompasses technologies over the entire technology readiness level spectrum, from the conceptual development stage of biomimetics to the everyday use of metal, plastic, ceramic and natural material-based products. 

It represents an underpinning multidisciplinary technology platform, with many crossovers into other technical areas and with the potential to address challenges across a broad landscape of applications.