<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><ns2:project xmlns:ns1="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api" xmlns:ns2="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project" xmlns:ns3="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/fund" xmlns:ns4="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/person" xmlns:ns5="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project/outcome" xmlns:ns6="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/organisation" ns1:created="2026-06-03T15:52:43Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/projects/9599F563-4478-4F03-9A5D-2ED829538BF2" ns1:id="9599F563-4478-4F03-9A5D-2ED829538BF2"><ns1:links><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/persons/CDF5991C-B8C2-414D-9700-65DF836BD8E9" ns1:rel="PM_PER"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/1013D013-09E9-4E2E-BA08-F8AA0DFFF31B" ns1:rel="LEAD_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/1013D013-09E9-4E2E-BA08-F8AA0DFFF31B" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:end="2025-01-31T00:00:00Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/funds/3F2DD0FB-3135-4739-9B17-EB86255709A5" ns1:rel="FUND" ns1:start="2023-02-01T00:00:00Z"/></ns1:links><ns2:identifiers><ns2:identifier ns2:type="RCUK">10036764</ns2:identifier></ns2:identifiers><ns2:title>Scaled Production of Aerogel-based materials for Commercial Exploitation (SPACE)</ns2:title><ns2:status>Closed</ns2:status><ns2:grantCategory>Collaborative R&amp;D</ns2:grantCategory><ns2:leadFunder>Innovate UK</ns2:leadFunder><ns2:abstractText>**Scaled Production of Aerogel-based materials for Commercial Exploitation (SPACE)**

Aerogel Cores' (AC) technology was created by our teams' cutting-edge materials research at the University of Bath, where expertise in the fields of material science and acoustics were united to create what can be considered the trifecta of material functionality: an ultralightweight material which exhibits excellent acoustic and thermal insulation properties. The technology has been validated to TRL4 and aimed at entering the Aerospace Sector, with potential to reach pre-commercial demonstration within the project timeframe (TRL7-2024).

The core innovation lies in tailorable graphene-based aerogel structures, providing a solution for the development of acoustic/thermal insulating materials. Moreover, by embedding in high performance structures, such as honeycomb, the material accommodates structural engineering applications where excellent mechanical stiffness, strength and low weight are required. Furthermore, by 'tuning' the raw component composition of the aerogel, multi-functional material properties are possible. Currently, optimised for weight, acoustic and thermal insulation.

AC seeks to further commercialise the technology during the project via a pilot-scale manufacturing plant as a proof-of-scalability, build larger components under improved automation, and ultimately increasing the TRL within the aerospace market. In addition, AC will investigate exploitation of the technology within new markets, such as; automotive, marine, rail and acoustic insulation. To achieve these goals, an experienced and balanced team was created, consisting of the original inventors of the technology, experts in material engineering/pilot-plant setup and commercial/technical advisors within the aerospace market.</ns2:abstractText></ns2:project>