1. The Science of Advanced Materials
a. Electronic and Magnetic Materials—Novel new electronic materials— including superconductors—and new innovation magnetic materials have been the key material systems for better performance of high speed logic operations and memory devices
b. Photonic Materials—The advantages of transmitting light signals instead of electrical signals have led to the development of new material structure that revolutionize communications
c. Advanced Ceramic—These nonmetallic materials have the characteristics of being hard, resisting heat and chemicals. Recent development has created materials with novel properties such as high temperature superconductivity and the new multi-ferroic phenomena.
d. Advanced Polymers—Polymers with unusual properties have been created from the advances in synthesis and processing methods. These new materials are not only good for new electronic/optoelectronic devices development, they also provide opportunities for better understanding how the biological system functions
e. Advanced Metals and Composites—With the advancement of new processing techniques scientists are able to make exceptionally strong alloys that resist heat and corrosion. New innovations have been developed to create hybrid materials that can perform to meet the stringent structural demands
2. Advanced Materials and Modern Technologies
a. Materials for Information and Communication—The development of advanced materials has been the core for the dramatic rise in the power of systems that process and transmit information
b. Materials for Aerospace and Ground Transportation—The aims to create hypersonic flight and space exploration require alloys and composites notable for strength, lightweight and resistance for heat. The demands for automobiles that consume less energy and produce less waste also require the development of special materials with specific characteristics.
c. Materials for Energy Utilization—The economic well-being of any modern society requires that energy be captured, converted from one form into another. Each step requires materials with special properties.
d. Materials for Medicine—New polymers, ceramics, inorganic and/or organic compounds are among many materials enabling scientists to design innovative and biocompatible materials for human needs.
3. Advanced Materials and the Economy—Progresses in materials science stimulate the growth of many sectors of economy. New materials and processes meet the needs of existing industries and give birth to new technology.