先端材料技術

Report Overview

Sustained Research Paves the Way for Advanced Materials to Appear in Real-world Applications

The 21st century is bound to be an exciting time for advanced materials and chemicals. Widely regarded as critical building blocks for future devices and systems, these sophisticated new materials stand poised to radically transform numerous current and future applications. Extensive research by many laboratories and start-up companies, assisted by various government agencies, is propelling them towards eventual commercialization and utilization in real-world applications.

This Technical Insights study discusses important developments in advanced materials as they emerge from the laboratory towards commercialization, including electronics, photonics, biomaterials, composites, novel polymers, and many more. This report also examines key factors such as obstacles to commercial success, existing and future applications, new manufacturing processes, and major breakthroughs in research.

Emerging Photonics, Porous Materials Find New Applications

"Photonics is emerging as a new multidisciplinary frontier of science and technology," says the analyst. Photonic materials, which have several potential applications in present and future information- and image-processing technologies, are generating keen interest among scientists and engineers world-wide.

Sustained research in porous materials, which play a key role in various industrial processes, has expanded their applications beyond traditional catalysts and absorbents. Zeolites, for instance, are finding applications in solid support of molecular catalyst and inorganic template for making carbon materials. Scientists have now synthesized a new class of material that combines zeolite-like porosity with semiconductivity, whose unique properties facilitate its usage as electrodes in electrochemical sensors, as photocatalysts, and for selective absorption of molecules.

Versatile Composites and Biopolymers Focus of Research

"Composites such as inorganic nanoparticle/polymer matrix are ideally suited to achieve multifunctionality since the best features of different materials can be combined to form a new material that has a broad spectrum of desired properties," says the analyst. Scientists are increasingly using models, simulations, and computer programs to design such complex materials, especially in tailoring and optimizing the desired properties. Computational material science, now one of the most active and exciting areas of research, makes it possible to accurately calculate properties of microscopic structures.

Versatile biopolymers are beginning to find important applications in packaging and food production. Biodegradable polymers, which have a promising future in the medical and pharmaceutical industries, have found increasing usage in the human body over the past few years. Relatively high production costs is compelling research laboratories to make these superior materials affordable. Researchers are also developing and exploring innovative applications such as the use of biorubber in engineering blood vessels, heart valves, liver, and cartilage, and are optimistic about future success.

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction to Advanced Materials and Chemicals

Overview of Advanced Materials

The Age of Advanced Materials

Scope and Methodology

Scope of Study

Research Methodology

2 TECHNOLOGY TRENDS AND ANALYSES

Emerging Techniques

Nature Inspires Developments: Biomimetics

Combining Properties and Functions

Modeling and Simulation

Nanoengineering and Nanotechnology

Molecular Self-Assembly

Bio-Factories

Nature Inspires Materials Developments

Bioplastics

HSO/MA Reinforced Fibers

Collagen Bandage

Corn Starch Foam

Biomimetics

Convert Algal Enzymes to Silica Materials

Translate Gecko's Stickiness into Strong Adhesive

Learning from a Dolphin Prevents Fouling

Inspired by a Horse; Researcher Develops Biomimetic Plate

Spider Silk Leads to Performance Fibers

Improving Properties and Function

Fabricate Copper that's Ductile and Strong

Material Switches States and Properties

Process Yields Tough and Flexible Polymer-Ceramic

Polyproplyne-Polyethylene Blend Gives Impact Resistance

Combine Porosity and Semiconductivity

Modeling and Simulation

Study the Behavior of Aluminum

Design Multifunctional Composite

Improve Piezoelectric Materials

Optimize the Properties of Carbon Nanotubes

Predict a Material's Failure

Nano Engineering and Nanotechnology

Get Help from Microbes To Produce Nanoscale Arrays

Develop Nanotubes from Synthetic Organic Molecules

Create Multilayered Nanowires

MEMS Get Super Small

Novel Manufacturing Techniques

Mass Produce Quality Nanotubes

Uniform Nanotubes

Fabricate Nanostructures by Chiral Self-Assembly

Produce Crystalline Thin Films at Lower Temperatures

For PHA Plastics; Try Genetic Engineering

3 INDUSTRY ENGINEERING NEWS

New Materials in the Market

Cerablak

Thermion

Bucky Pearl

k-Core

Techrobond

Cryovac Xenith

Demron

POSS

XLTurf

Innovative Developers

Composite Cable Carries More Power - Composite Technology Corp.

Produce Low Density Foam Film - Oldenburg Kunststofftechnik GmbH

Produce PHA Cost Effectively - Metabolix Inc.

Fibrinogen Bandage Heals Wounds Naturally - NanoMatrix Inc.

Use Trimetasphere for Contrast Agent - Luna Innovations Inc.

Develop Brighter Materials for Displays - Philips Research Laboratories

Print Electronic Patterns on A Plastic Substrate - Xerox Research Center

Increase The Efficiency of Light-Emitting Silicon - STMicroelectronics

Reactive Multilayer Foil Creates Ultra-Strong Bonds - Nanotechnologies Inc.

Develop Superconducting Wires from Magnesium Diboride - Agere Systems

Create Magnetic Nanomaterials Based On Ferritin Molecules - NanoMagnetics Ltd.

Replace Aluminum Cans With Crystal-Clear PET Containers- Owens-Illinois

Fine-Tune Intraocular Lens With Light - Calhoun Vision Inc.

Avoid Stains On Plastic Food Storage - Rubbermaid Home Products Co.

Utilize Soybean to Develop Environmentally Friendly Resins - Cara Plastics

Build Stronger Muscle - NanoMuscle Inc.

Mergers; Acquisitions; Partnership; Joint Ventures; and Alliances

DuPont Displays and RiTEK Corp. Open OLED Manufacturing Facility

PolyOne Corp. and Nanocor Inc. Form Strategic Alliance

Alliant Techsystems Inc. Acquires Composite Optics Inc.

DSM Forms Alliance with Carbon Nanotechnologies Inc.

Equistar Chemicals LP and P&G Forge Catalyst Alliance

4 GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTS

Asia Pacific

Lithium Nitride Stores More Hydrogen

Smart Gels Get Colorful

Biocement Restores Porous Structures

Composite Combines Durability with Biodegradable Properties

Nanotube Yarns Lead to Macroscopic Devices

Detect Poisonous Pollutant with Chemosensor

Programmable Mesoporous Silica

Melamine Fibers Increase Heat- and Flame-Resistance

Generate Voltage with the Help of Nanotubes

Europe

Use Mediterranean Thistle To Make Biodiesel

Potato Starch Produces Plastic Films

From Butterfly Scales to Photonic Materials

Combine the Properties of Crystals and Polymers in One Material

Condensing Light

Small LEDS; Huge Progress

A Convenient Method for Creating 3D Nanoscale Structures

Sol-Gel Process Yields Optical Components

New Uses for Laser Sintering

5 TRENDS AND CHALLENGES IN TECHNOLOGY AND THE MARKETPLACE

Advanced Materials Marketplace

Drivers and Restraints

Trends and Forecasts

Research and Development Spending

Venture Capital Spending

Advanced Materials Get Environmentally Friendly

Biodegradability

Biocompatibility

Technical Challenges

Interface and Connection

Lubrication for Nanomachines

6 CONTACTS; PATENTS; AND TECHNICAL INSIGHTS' SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2003 AWARDS

Contacts and Patents

Contacts

Patents

Technical Insights' Science and Technology Awards 2003

Technology Innovation

Excellence in R&D