Spin-out business part of research accolade for Sheffield Hallam
A SPIN-OUT business created by Sheffield Hallam University to commercialise materials which could be used to protect troops on the front-line has led to the University being named one of the top modern research universities in the UK.
XeraCarb, created by Sheffield Hallam material scientist Dr Hywel Jones and Barnsley ceramics expert Dr Anthony Pick in August 2011, was part of a submission to the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.
XeraCarb was one of several submissions from the University into the REF’s ‘Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Metallurgy and Materials’ unit of assessment, of which 56% was rated as internationally excellent and world leading.
The company has acquired premises in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, and is moving towards full commercialisation of its kiln furniture.
The innovative ceramic composite materials combine the best properties of a number of ceramic systems including silicon carbide, silicon nitride and alumina, making the materials lightweight but with class leading properties.
The novel materials can be used for a wide range of applications including porcelain manufacture automotive parts, minerals handling equipment, incinerators and power generation facilities and even personal body armour.
Initially the company will focus on the kiln furniture market, manufacturing specialist products for the ceramics manufacturing industry.
XeraCarb has also started a Ministry of Defence-backed programme of advanced testing and validation of its ceramic armour which could be used to protect troops, security personnel and equipment against ballistic threats.
The Ministry of Defence supported the development of the technology in its early stages through its Centre for Defence Enterprise and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and the innovation was awarded the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers Venture Prize of £25,000 in 2011.
Dr Jones, who is from the University’s Materials and Engineering Research Institute said: “To see a process that we began in the labs at Sheffield Hallam become a business in its own right is truly gratifying and vindicates the hard work and good science that has taken place.”
