Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • AMD partners with Huntsman on carbon nanotube enhanced composites

Aerospace Defence

AMD partners with Huntsman on carbon nanotube enhanced composites

Huntsman Corporation and Advanced Material Development Ltd (AMD), are to collaborate through a strategic relationship aimed at developing carbon nanotube-integrated functional composite materials in the US.

Image courtesy AMD

The collaboration will allow for the development of electrically enhanced materials by integrating AMD’s all-carbon technology into Huntsman’s resin systems to provide superior performance composites for the aerospace and defence sectors.

Richard Lee, Chief Commercial Officer of AMD said: “We are delighted that Huntsman, a global leader in resin composite technology, has chosen AMD to help lead in the development of these essential new materials. Our Texas-based operation looks forward to providing the highest performing composite materials for applications across the cleantech, defence and aerospace industries.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

Huntsman’s senior technical leadership will be working with AMD’s teams affiliated with Rice University in Houston, Texas and the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom, to develop product solutions that are both cost-effective and reliable.

“This relationship brings together some of the best learnings in advanced carbon technology,” said John Fraser, Commercial Director of MIRALON for Huntsman Corporation. “AMD’s work in next-generation carbon-fibre materials plus the expertise through Rice University’s Carbon Hub, along with Huntsman’s knowledge and capabilities with composites and carbon nanotube materials, create a fantastic opportunity for collaboration and progress.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

This progress will be aided by the timely sabbatical of Professor Alan Dalton (above), who is Chief Scientific Advisor at AMD and Chair of Material Physics at Sussex University. Dalton’s sabbatical will be spent at Rice University, allowing close proximity to Huntsman’s operations. He said: “Being based in Texas allows me to work more closely with both Huntsman and AMD, facilitating faster and more effective progress. This proximity is key in accelerating the development of these cutting-edge composites for applications ranging from wind turbines to aerospace structures and enables us to leverage the combined expertise of the teams at Rice and Sussex.”

Paul Cherukuri, Chief Innovation Officer and Vice President for Innovation at Rice University added: “We are thrilled to support this important collaboration between Huntsman and AMD. By combining Huntsman’s expertise in composites with AMD’s advanced carbon technology, this partnership highlights Houston’s role as a growing centre for material science innovation. We look forward to seeing the positive advancements this collaboration will bring to industries like aerospace and defence.”

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Airbus delivers first A321XLR for Air Canada

Aerospace

Airbus delivers first A321XLR for Air Canada

24 April 2026

The first of 30 Airbus A321XLRs for Canada’s flag carrier Air Canada, has been delivered.

UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

24 April 2026

UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the government’s export credit agency – has announced a new partnership with Finance for Forces to help more veteran-led businesses access the finance they need to grow internationally.

Boeing and Ontic expand partnership

Aerospace Events

Boeing and Ontic expand partnership

24 April 2026

Boeing and Ontic have announced a new distribution agreement at MRO Americas to supply Grimes engine valves to commercial airlines worldwide, pairing Boeing Distribution’s global reach with Ontic’s manufacturing to shorten lead times and improve aircraft readiness.

Air ambulance pilots and CAA issue warning to drone flyers on World Pilot Day

Aerospace Security

Air ambulance pilots and CAA issue warning to drone flyers on World Pilot Day

24 April 2026

On World Pilot Day (Sunday 26th April) air ambulance pilots are teaming up with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to urge drone users to fly responsibly after emergency helicopter flights were disrupted by drones during lifesaving missions in 2025.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Cranfield leads UK research into aviation’s non-CO₂ climate impacts

Aerospace

Cranfield leads UK research into aviation’s non-CO₂ climate impacts

23 April 2026

Cranfield University has been selected to play a key role in a major UK research initiative aimed at improving the understanding of aviation’s non CO₂ climate impacts.

Ontic introduces strategic teardown procurement initiative

Aerospace

Ontic introduces strategic teardown procurement initiative

23 April 2026

Ontic has introduced a new teardown procurement initiative to address one of the industry's most persistent challenges, namely the availability of hard-to-source components for established platforms.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner