Deep-tech industrial solutions

Engineering precision for industrial-scale carbon innovations.

TERNAfil bridges rigorous science and industrial application — developing measurable, reproducible systems designed for harsh environments and long-term performance.

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5+ Years
Focused R&D
1.6M€+
R&D funding secured
Pilot track
From R&D to industrial implementation

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Latest from TERNAfil.

Technology

Hybrid fiber synthesis.

MAXCarbon is produced by converting standard carbon fibers through a seamless surface reaction at 1 250 °C — forming a MAX-phase hybrid that combines the mechanical strength of carbon with the thermal and chemical resilience of ceramics.

1 250 °C Reaction temperature
Three-step MAXCarbon synthesis: carbon fiber converted to Ti₃SiC₂ MAX-phase hybrid at 1,250 °C in under 45 minutes
Carbon (C)
Ti₃SiC₂ MAX phase
SEM Scanning Electron Microscopy
Baseline — untreated carbon fiber surface prior to MAX Phase deposition
Cross-section — carbon fiber core surrounded by Ti₃SiC₂ MAX Phase shell
Hybrid fiber — complete MAX Phase coverage along the MAXCarbon fiber axis
MAX Phase — lamellar grain structure of the Ti₃SiC₂ ceramic coating
Untreated carbon fiber
Raw fiber surface prior to any MAX Phase deposition
What are MAX Phases?
A family of layered ceramics that combine the stiffness and heat resistance of ceramics with the toughness, electrical conductivity, and machinability of metals — without the usual trade-offs.
What makes MAX Phases special?
Most materials make you choose: ceramics are hard but brittle, metals are tough but heavy. MAX Phases refuse that trade-off. Silicon-based types like Ti₃SiC₂ excel in mechanical performance and thermal shock resistance; aluminium-based types like Ti₂AlC form a self-repairing oxide layer at high temperatures — making them exceptionally resistant to oxidation and corrosion.
What is MAXCarbon?
A hybrid material where MAX Phase is synthesised directly onto carbon fiber surfaces. The fiber stays lightweight and flexible, while gaining chemical resistance, high-temperature stability, and electrical conductivity.

Market position

No existing fiber meets
all requirements.

Carbon fibers, silicon carbide, and oxide ceramics each cover part of the performance envelope. MAXCarbon is the first fiber to satisfy all critical criteria simultaneously — engineered in Europe for energy, aerospace, and high-temperature applications.

Material Mechanical
Strength		 Thermal
Resistance		 Chemical
Resistance		 Electrical
Conduct.		 Supply
Available		 Costs
PAN carbon fibre spool
Carbon
PAN Carbon Fibre
Strong, light, conductive — but oxidises / burns
 + − − + + +
Silicon carbide ceramic fibre spool
Silicon Carbide
SiC Ceramic Fibre
Temperature- & corrosion-resistant — but brittle and costly
 + + + (−) − −
Oxide ceramic fibre spool
Oxide Ceramic
Alumina / Mullite / Silica Fibre
Heat- & chemically stable — but brittle and hard to process
 − + + − − −
MAXCarbon fiber composite sample
Next generation
MAXCarbon
Strong, heat- & chemically stable, conductive, scalable
 + + + + + +
Rating Strong Limited Weak
MAXCarbon Others

Applications

Where MAXCarbon performs.

MAXCarbon enables next-generation solutions across three primary application fields — from functional particle additives to structural composites built for extreme environments.

01

Additives

MAXCarbon particles and chopped fibers as functional fillers — improving thermal conductivity, wear resistance, and oxidation stability in coatings, pastes, and polymer matrices.

Product Form
Whisker
Chopped Fiber
Use Cases
Injection Molding
3D Printing
Friction Materials
02

Functionalized Textiles

Woven and non-woven fabric architectures incorporating MAXCarbon fibers for electromagnetic shielding, thermal regulation, and structural reinforcement in technical textiles.

Product Form
Weaving
Braiding
Non-Woven
Use Cases
Insulation
Filters
Membranes
Electrochemistry
03

High-Performance Composites

Fiber-reinforced ceramic and polymer matrix composites for structural, thermal protection, and load-bearing applications in aerospace, energy, and high-temperature industrial environments.

Product Form
CMC
MMC
Use Cases
Heat Exchangers
Power Generation
Aerospace Shielding
Abrasive Tools
Turbine Components
Ballistic Protection

About TERNAfil

Built by scientists.
Operated by engineers.

TERNAfil was founded on the conviction that the gap between laboratory rigour and industrial practice is bridgeable — and that the cost of leaving it unbridged is too high.

Our teams span materials science, process automation, regulatory affairs, and systems integration. We don't consult from a distance; we embed into your operations and build alongside you.

The team

Fabian J.

Fabian J.

Founder & CEO
Ben V.

Ben V.

Founder & CFO
Niels G.

Niels G.

Founder & CTO Textiles
Lukas A.

Lukas A.

Founder & CTO Ceramics

Get in touch

Start a conversation.

Whether you're dealing with a known challenge or a vague sense that something in your process isn't right — reach out. We're good listeners before we're anything else.

info@ternafil.de
+49 241 80-49162
Vaalser Str. 460, Aachen, Germany