THE CAMX FORECAST

Published 07/04/2025

Ceramic matrix material families bridges CFRPs and CMC

CAMX 2025: Pyromeral presents PyroKarb, PyroSic and PyroXide, as well as a towpreg format PyroXide for composite applications like heat shields, exhaust ducts, radomes and components that are exposed to high temperatures.

Edited by: Grace Stubbins

Senior Managing Editor, CompositesWorld and Products Finishing

PyroXide rib. Source (All Images) | Pyromeral Technologies

Pyromeral Technology’s (Sunnyvale, Calif., U.S.) high-temperature composite materials seek to bridge the thermal, structural and cost gap between carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) and conventional ceramic matrix composites (CMC). The Pyromeral material family offers a lightweight and simple-to-process alternative to other materials for heat shields, exhaust ducts, radomes and components exposed to sustained temperatures from 400-2000°F and beyond.

Marketed under the names PyroKarb, PyroSic and PyroXide, Pyromeral materials bring the benefits of composites to high-temperature applications. According to the company, their proprietary geopolymer ceramic matrices differ significantly from both organic polymers and conventional ceramic matrices: They can be processed with a low-temperature autoclave cure and a single, freestanding post-cure; they can be laid up or molded in net or near-net shapes; and no densification or infiltration is required. This simplifies manufacturing, shortens lead times and improves cost efficiency.

PyroKarb, reinforced with high-modulus carbon fiber, and PyroSic, reinforced with silicon-carbide fiber, maintain structural integrity at continuous temperatures of 1000°F and 1500°F, respectively. PyroKarb offers up to 60% weight savings over titanium, while PyroSic delivers up to 75% weight savings compared to Inconel.

PyroXide, a geopolymer ceramic matrix reinforced with aluminum-oxide fiber, extends temperature resistance up to 2000°F, and as high as 3000°F for short durations. Its optimal radio frequency transparency makes it ideal for high-temperature nose cones and radio frequency apertures. In exhaust nozzle applications, PyroXide saves up to 70% weight compared to Inconel.

PyroXide towpreg.

A new development, Pyromeral announces the successful production of PyroXide in towpreg format, enabling filament winding for conical and tubular components. Towpreg versions of PyroKarb and PyroSic are in development and will follow shortly. This advancement expands part fabrication options while reducing cost and production time.

Pyromeral materials serve a wide range of industries, including engine heat shielding, hypersonic fins and external skins, and battery thermal runaway protection in the advanced air mobility sector. The company is ITAR registered and certified to AS9100D and ISO 9001 standards.