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
General Atomics LB
Airbus

Aerospace

Airbus' A350-1000ULR completes first test flight

2 June 2026

The world's longest-range aircraft, the A350-1000ULR (MSN 707) and the first of 12 aircraft ordered by Qantas, has completed its first flight in Toulouse, France.

Drones help restore Peak District ravine woodlands

Aerospace

Drones help restore Peak District ravine woodlands

2 June 2026

A pioneering drone seed-spreading trial has taken to the skies above the Peak District, as the 'LIFE in the Ravines' project led by Natural England explores innovative new ways to restore precious ravine woodlands devastated by ash dieback disease.

SAM NI completes £10m facility expansion

Aerospace

SAM NI completes £10m facility expansion

2 June 2026

Portadown based precision engineering firm SAM NI has completed a £10 million expansion of its manufacturing facility marking a major milestone in the company’s growth as a manufacturer of high-precision aerospace components and assemblies.

Omnisense and 42T partner on resilient drone landing system

Aerospace Defence Security

Omnisense and 42T partner on resilient drone landing system

1 June 2026

Omnisense, which specialises in terrestrial positioning technology, has partnered with 42 Technology (42T) to demonstrate a safer autonomous drone landing system when satellite navigation signals are unreliable.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Thompson showcases VantageXL for Discover Airlines at Red Cabin Summit

Aerospace Events

Thompson showcases VantageXL for Discover Airlines at Red Cabin Summit

1 June 2026

Craigavon based Thompson Aero Seating (TAS) will today be showcasing its customised VantageXL seat for Discover Airlines’ A330s for the very first time at the Red Cabin / Aircraft Cabin Innovation Summit Europe, being held 1st-3rd June at Lufthansa Seeheim, Germany.

ZeroAvia begins leadership transition

Aerospace

ZeroAvia begins leadership transition

29 May 2026

ZeroAvia today announced that founder and Chief Executive Officer Val Miftakhov has stepped down as CEO, effective 26th May 2026, to pursue new opportunities.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner