RobusTE - 'Thermoelectric Materials for Scalable, Robust Devices through Algorithm-Accelerated Hot Extrusion'

Recipient organisation

EUROPEAN THERMODYNAMICS LIMITED

Project reference

10185411

Funder

Innovate UK

Programme

National Materials Innovation Programme: Feasibility Studies

Award value

£84,880

Project dates

1 Jun 2026 – 28 Feb 2027

Imported sector

Advanced Manufacturing Lvl3

Postcode area

LE (LE8 0RX)

Project status

Live

Source data quality

Description present in snapshot

Official project description

Molecular testing is becoming more prevalent in clinical diagnostics with a £15 billion global market, growing at 9.6%. Innovation including next generation sequencing technology is leading to such testing equipment becoming more compact and mobile, with many instruments depending on rapid, precise and reliable temperature control. With healthcare moving toward preventative diagnostics, early detection, and decentralised testing, there is growing demand for compact, high-performance thermoelectric modules, that can be used to control temperature reliably under intensive conditions. Thermoelectric (TE) modules are a reversible solid state heat pump, essential for this precise thermal control. However, current TE devices often fail under repeated thermal cycling, experiencing cracking, delamination, and material fatigue. These failures reduce performance, compromise accuracy, and shorten the operational lifetime of critical diagnostic instruments. The interface between the TE material and surface coatings is a particular weak point, where poor adhesion limits durability. The RobusTE project tackles these challenges by developing a new generation of mechanically robust, surface-engineered TE materials. Using controlled hot-extrusion combined with algorithm-driven process optimisation, the project creates materials with aligned crystal structures, tailored surface textures, and optimised microstructures. These innovations strengthen interfaces, reduce brittleness, improve thermal stability, and maintain high energy efficiency. Surface engineering is central to the project, enhancing adhesion and protecting against the primary failure modes of TE modules. RobusTE will also establish a predictive, scalable manufacturing framework, enabling rapid adaptation to new materials and applications while supporting UK-based production of high value TE devices. By producing longer lasting, more reliable TE modules, RobusTE will improve device uptime, reduce maintenance, and support advanced diagnostic tools and high-performance electronic systems. RobusTE delivers wide-ranging impacts across biotech, healthcare, net zero, digital infrastructure, space, and advanced manufacturing, enhancing UK industrial competitiveness, resilience, innovation, and sustainability, creating high-value jobs, strengthening domestic supply chains, and enabling durable, high-performance materials for demanding real-world applications.