Mitsubishi Chemical Develops Ceramic Matrix Composite Material With High Molding Workability

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) has announced the development of a new ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material that is both lightweight and rigid and has high molding workability. Carbon fiber-related materials that have both lightness and rigidity are being adopted for mobility applications where weight reduction is required to reduce environmental load, and for industrial machinery applications where process efficiency is required in addition to weight reduction. On the other hand, with regard to the requirement for heat resistance, these materials are not in widespread use due to issues of workability and cost, and therefore, relatively expensive ceramic materials are primarily used.

MCC’s CMC material, which is a combination of carbon fiber and metal material, offers features such as high rigidity, high heat resistance, high thermal conductivity, light weight, wear resistance, and low dust generation, and is used as a brake material for mobility and industrial machine parts. The product has achieved high molding workability and associated cost reduction while retaining the aforementioned features.

The company has already commenced sample work for multiple customers, and in the future, it aims to develop new applications, such as brake materials and heat-resistant materials for industrial machinery, in addition to conventional materials.