Cambridge-based DZP Technologies approached TWI in our capacity as ESA Technology Broker for the UK to find out about the business opportunities currently available in the space sector.
A review of the skills and capabilities of DZP Technologies identified a relevant and promising technology with potential applications for the space sector. By highlighting the technology – a multi-functional graphene sensor for monitoring composite materials – DZP Technologies were able to develop a strategy to address the opportunity.
Trials were conducted at TWI to produce demonstration samples of the graphene sensor technology to monitor the cure process of composites during manufacture, as well as for structural health monitoring during service life of the composite part.
The demonstration samples gave DZP Technologies further confidence and credibility for the future commercialisation of the sensors, as well as showing how the technology can be implemented in real life manufacture, and how it can be used to provide functionalities which are impossible by other means.
TWI experts also provided funding information and assisted in planning future commercialisation, helping DZP Technologies to better understand the business opportunities available in the space sector.
You can find out more about the Prepare for Space programme on the 'Prepare for Space' tab on the website.