Ultra-High Temperature Ceramic Development, Processing & Consultancy Services
Accelerating UHTC from concept to commercial reality
We provide end‑to‑end ultra high temperature ceramic (UHTC) development and processing services - taking ideas from early feasibility through pilot‑scale manufacturing and full characterisation. Our multidisciplinary materials scientists and engineers help you design, form, densify and validate UHTCs for extreme environments, shortening time‑to‑market and reducing risk.
What are UHTCs and why choose them?
Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs) are refractory ceramics engineered to perform beyond 2000°C (3632°F), typically based on transition‑metal borides, carbides and nitrides (e.g., ZrB₂, HfB₂, TiB₂). Their high melting points, oxidation resistance and thermal stability make them ideal for applications such as hypersonic flight, thermal protection systems, and harsh industrial processes.
UHTC development services at Lucideon
We support material development programmes, integrating modelling, formulation, and feasibility to establish robust, scalable routes for your UHTC components.
- Concept & feasibility - material selection, predictive modelling, and design to target thermomechanical performance in service
- Accelerated discovery - applying data‑driven and machine‑learning approaches to refine UHTC compositions
- Raw materials processing - controlled milling, mixing and spray‑drying to prepare consistent UHTC feedstocks ready for forming
- Prototype formulation - trials to optimise densification, grain size, and defect control before scale‑up
Our UHTC processing capabilities
From green body formation to high‑temperature densification and surface engineering, our UHTC processing covers the end‑to‑end manufacturing:
- Forming - ceramic additive manufacturing (AM), tape casting, gel casting, and hot pressing for complex geometries and dense parts
- Drying & sintering - multi‑atmosphere furnaces up to 3000 °C / 5432°F (air, inert, vacuum) for controlled densification and phase stability
- Flash / field‑enhanced sintering - pilot‑scale development to achieve rapid densification and tailored microstructures
- Coatings - thin films and surface treatments to improve oxidation resistance and wear behaviour
Characterisation & testing
We combine mechanical, thermo‑physical, and characterisation with performance testing at extreme temperatures.
- High‑temperature mechanical tests and thermal cycling
- Microstructure analysis and defect mapping
- Thermal shock evaluation
- Compliance support through accredited laboratories and assurance services (UKAS, etc).
Typical UHTC applications
- Aerospace & Space - leading edges, nozzles, and hot‑structure components for hypersonic and re‑entry environments
- Defence - high‑speed platforms and thermal shielding
- Energy & fusion - components and insulators engineered for extreme temperature and radiation resistance
- Industrial - furnaces, wear‑resistant parts, and process tools for high‑temperature manufacturing
Why partner with us for UHTC?
- Pilot‑scale, industry‑relevant processing - we host and manage The AMRICC Centre, the UK’s open‑access centre of excellence for advanced ceramics, providing end‑to‑end pilot lines to replicate real manufacturing processes and de‑risk scale‑up
- Breadth & depth in advanced ceramics - proven track record in materials development, process optimisation and characterisation, supporting aerospace, energy, and other sectors
- Extreme‑environment know‑how – we are actively engaged in programmes to develop next‑generation ceramic solutions for demanding applications (e.g., UKAEA fusion)
- Assurance you can trust - backed by accredited laboratories, helping you meet regulatory and customer requirements
Facilities & equipment highlights
Our UK site integrates laboratory, pilot and feasibility assets including ultra‑high‑temperature and multi‑atmosphere furnaces, ceramic 3D printers, densification tools, spectrometers, and x‑ray systems - ideal for developing and validating UHTC components without interrupting your in‑house production.
Talk to our UHTC specialists
Whether you're scoping a feasibility study or ready for pilot trials, our ultra high temperature ceramic (UHTC) development and processing teams can help you deliver reliable components for the most demanding environments.