Textron, the parent company of well-known aircraft manufacturers Cessna and Beechcraft, has recently made a significant move in the aviation industry by acquiring Pipistrel, a manufacturer of battery-powered aircraft. This acquisition is a clear indication of the growing trend towards fit-and-forget technology and the increasing importance of new materials in industries such as aviation, energy storage, and electronics.
The concept of fit-and-forget, where devices require little to no maintenance due to the use of durable materials, has been gaining traction in recent years. This trend has been driven by the need for more reliable and long-lasting products, particularly in industries such as mining and military, where maintenance is difficult and costly. Additionally, the focus on total cost of ownership has further fueled the demand for fit-and-forget technology.
One of the major drivers of this trend is the increasing use of electric vehicles, which require minimal maintenance due to their simple design and long-lasting parts. This has led to the emergence of the More Electric Aircraft EVR, with even small aircraft now being powered by batteries. To stay ahead of the curve, Textron has taken a bold step by acquiring Pipistrel, positioning itself as a leader in the electric aircraft market.
Another significant change in the industry is the move towards hybrid devices that combine different types of batteries and capacitors, using new materials to enhance performance. One example of this is the use of lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) in hydrogen-supercapacitor trains, fusion power, and mining vehicles. These hybrid devices are also being used in the most rugged and long-lasting e-bikes and the fastest chargers for large vehicles. It is predicted that within the next twenty years, these hybrid devices will surpass the sales of their original counterparts, further emphasizing the importance of new materials in the industry.
In addition to hybrid devices, there has been a reinvention of traditional energy storage technologies, such as batteries and supercapacitors, through the use of new materials. This has resulted in significant improvements in energy storage capacity and lifespan, ranging from microwatt-hours to gigawatt-hours. For instance, the use of graphene in supercapacitors has increased their performance, power handling, and energy storage capacity. This trend is further illustrated in the Zhar Research report, “Supercapacitor, Pseudocapacitor, CSH and BSH Hybrid Market Forecasts in 26 Lines, 110 Manufacturers Appraised, Deep Technology Analysis, Roadmaps, Next Successes 2024-2044”.
Another area of significant development is solid-state cooling, which has become crucial in combating global warming. This technology uses multifunctional smart materials to provide thermal insulation, reflection, and radiation, without the use of expensive and harmful materials. As a result, the use of solid-state cooling is rapidly increasing in industries such as electronics, where the demand for battery-free devices is on the rise. This trend is further explored in the Zhar Research report, “Solid State Cooling Markets 2024-2044”.
The use of new materials is also transforming the electronics industry, with a shift towards battery-free devices that require minimal maintenance. This trend is driven by the increasing efficiency of on-board energy harvesting and the use of ultra-low-power integrated circuits and LEDs. Additionally, the planned 6G Communications, which will enable wireless information and power transfer, is further propelling the demand for battery-free devices.
Moreover, the telecommunications industry is moving towards higher frequencies, such as THz far infrared, near infrared, and visible frequencies, which require new optical materials. This has led to the development of new semiconductors and active materials, such as plasmonic graphene and chalcogenides, for THz frequencies, and perovskite-on-silicon for more efficient photovoltaics. These advancements are explored in detail in the Zhar Research report, “6G Communications: Materials and Hardware Markets and Technology 2024-2044”.
In conclusion, the use of new materials is driving significant changes in various industries, from aviation to energy storage and electronics. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, with a focus on developing materials that are more durable, efficient, and environmentally friendly. The Zhar Research reports, available on www.zharresearch.com and www.Giiresearch.com, provide valuable insights into these emerging trends and the opportunities they present for materials suppliers and device manufacturers.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.