Ceresium is a tough, rigid protective material with slight flexibility and good resistance to abrasion, penetration, cutting, and kinetic forces. It was first produced in YE 45 by Origin General Manufacturing
Inspired by the strength of Endurium, but dismayed by its inability to be used in smaller applications, a different material was needed for things like protective equipment, vehicles, power armors, or even starfighters. Utilizing a blend of new and old materials, as well as undergoing in depth testing to ensure the desired properties were achieved, Ceresium was created as a lightweight, durable, effective and economical alternative to the ceramic composite Endurium.
Ceresium was created by combining the ceramic polymers that made up Cerastic with the cut resistant properties of Chondrex, as well as a blend of metallic compounds to increase durability. While much stronger than Cerastic Rigid Ultra, its combination of Chondrex and Metallic compounds means that it weighs around the same and could be mistaken for it aside from the fact that it is electrically conductive to an extent rather than fully insulating like the former. With the even distribution of metallic compounds, energy in the form of heat will tend to spread out and dissipate, though prolonged contact or wide exposure to heat may overcome this dissipation, and as such Ceresium is best used as part of a protective system, rather than the sole protective element. Unlike normal Cerastic, the metallic compounds used in the initial mixture create stronger bonds in the material which means it takes more energy to break them, giving cured Ceresium a considerably higher melting point. Additionally, the metallic content gives it rigidity while also allowing a degree of flexible malleability, meaning that it can be used for structural elements.
Ceresium is typically manufactured using molds or forms, into which the Chondrex frabric is layered, and then the liquid Cerastic/metallic compound mixture is then poured or injected, and then often compressed while a vacuum is applied to ensure there are no bubbles or other voids in the material.
Ceresium can be used in a number of applications, from commercial and industrial protective equipment, to military armor, or outer paneling for vehicles and small craft such as starfighters. Ceresium is also capable of being utilized in food production, as it makes an excellent surface for food preparation, although its extra cost over Cerastic means that it may be passed over for the cheaper material. Ceresium may be used as a filler in the gaps between panels of Endurium on larger craft and structures, to allow for a highly durable conductive filler that can allow transmission of power to wirelessly powered untethered equipment. As a Metallic ceramic composite, Ceresium does not have the brittleness of Endurium and has a rigidity similar to titanium, and can be used for structural elements such as frameworks, supports, and mounting surfaces.