CERAFIM proposes to investigate the manufacture and use of advanced ceramic materials in applications beyond their traditional range. It will investigate the feasibility of developing innovative processes which will enable ceramic material to be processed in the form of a strong flexible fibre. For this to be feasible, the fibre needs to be prepared within a narrow range of diameters, which is beyond the capability of existing continuous fibre processes.

The product must then be presented in a form suitable for commercial processing (knitting, weaving, etc.) into the complex shapes demanded by advanced engineering. In addition to providing safer, non-respirable fibre products, CERAFIM has the potential to deliver important products based on advanced functional materials with novel fabric properties for use in structural applications where reduced weight and increased strength bring energy savings, environmental benefits and safety improvements.