US firm to boost making of extreme environment materials with new deal

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS), a San Diego-based company, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to advance the manufacturing of advanced ceramic matrix composites designed for extreme environments. These materials, which include carbon/carbon, carbon/silicon carbide, and silicon carbide composites, are critical for aerospace, defense, energy, and other sectors requiring components that withstand extreme temperatures, radiation, corrosion, and mechanical stress. The partnership aims to accelerate innovation, improve manufacturing efficiencies, and strengthen supply chains to support national security and economic competitiveness. GA-EMS will lead efforts to develop scalable and efficient manufacturing techniques for ceramic precursors, fibers, composites, and coatings, collaborating with ORNL to streamline production processes and apply these materials to advanced nuclear power, hypersonic thermal protection, and fusion energy projects. The collaboration will integrate GA-EMS’s innovative approaches with ORNL’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF