3D weaving is emerging as one of the cutting-edge options for spacecraft thermal protection. Could these technologies mark a significant breakthrough and a paradigm shift in the field of thermal protection systems?

Webinar: Stronger, Lighter, Greener: Transforming Renewable Energy with Advanced Composites Date: Thursday 17 July 2025 Presenter: Maia Benstead, Technology Analyst, IDTechEx

White biotechnology refers to the use of biological systems for the industrial production of bio-based products, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower the carbon footprint of materials. This article covers main feedstocks and the molecules made via white biotechnology.

Li-ion battery (LIB) recyclers have continued to gather large volumes of new funding, form new strategic partnerships, and commission large-scale facilities over the last few years. This article explores how tariffs and policy changes may affect the US market and analyzes the likelihood of EU LIB recyclers and automotive OEMs reaching minimum recycled contents targets as mandated by the EU Battery Regulation.

Carbon capture presents opportunities for MOFs in both point source and direct air capture which are necessary for meeting net zero goals. This article explores the different applications for MOFs, and their production processes.

The porous structures of ion exchange membranes with ionically charged chemical side chains allow them to selectively transport specific ions while blocking others. This article covers technologies and key applications of ion exchange membranes.

Next generation feedstocks are aimed at providing a solution to the challenge of embedded carbon emissions stemming from conventional chemical manufacturing. This article explores the some popular next-generation feedstocks, along with strengths and drawbacks of the processes.

Aerogels sit in a crossover between cell-level protection materials, and pack-level protection materials. This article explores how aerogels can perform excellently as both insulators and fire protection materials and are becoming increasingly common in electric vehicles.

Extending the lifespan of goods and enhancing safety by limiting the potential for failure of materials prove self-healing materials to be a revolutionary technology. This article explores how self-healing materials could reduce the need for excess maintenance costs with different levels of autonomy.

With plastic production having grown to 502 million tonnes in 2024, while being expected to continue to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%, the need for a sustainable intervention is evident. This article covers the development of biobased plastics from renewable feedstocks as a step towards circularity.

Following decades of hype and false dawns, nanocarbons are now beginning to see substantial market adoption and growth. This article delves into the continued growth of the carbon nanotube market, which is set to exceed $1.25 billion by 20235. IDTechEx assesses the key applications driving the growth, and the leading players poised to take a significant market share.

Webinar: Emerging Materials and Decarbonization Applications for Gas Separation Membranes Presenter: Eve Pope, Senior Technology Analyst, IDTechEx Date: Tuesday 24 June Choose your preferred time zone - the webinar runs three times during the day.

Webinar Title: Carbon Nanotubes: On the Path to Commercial Success Date: Thursday 19 June 2025 Presenter: Dr Conor O'Brien, Senior Technology Analyst, IDTechEx Choose your preferred time zone - the webinar runs three times during the day.

Ion exchange membranes are emerging as critical materials in the transition to green energy. Emerging applications in hydrogen fuel cells, water electrolyzers, and redox flow batteries are expected to drive significant market growth through 2035.

In this article, IDTechEx analyzes two of the specialized materials needed in a fusion reactor: the plasma facing material and the breeder blanket. Their requirements, the critical raw materials needed, and possible disruptors to their supply chain are discussed, along with a market outlook for the fusion industry.

Key applications, both mature and emerging, for gas separation membranes include biogas upgrading, natural gas processing, carbon capture, and hydrogen separation. As gas separation membrane markets grow, start-ups seek to commercialize new membrane materials and composite structures.

Webinar: Unlock the Future of Materials R&D: How Materials Informatics is Revolutionizing Innovation Date: Wednesday 11 June 2025 Approximately 30 minutes Multiple sessions available

The aerogel market for energy and industrial applications has seen modest growth over the years, growing from US$224M in 2021 to an estimated US$348M in 2025. With increasing focus on energy savings and process efficiencies, this article by IDTechEx looks at how the aerogels market for energy and industrial applications will evolve over the next decade.

Surging battery demand is creating significant opportunities for raw material suppliers, particularly those adapting to battery-specific needs. Along the battery value chain, players are increasingly pursuing vertical integration strategies to capture greater value.

Self-healing materials have the ability to extend the lifespan of mission critical components such as energy storage devices, sensors and soft robotics. This article looks at some of the key materials developments, pain points and potential growth opportunities for self-healing materials in these emerging markets.