The importance of materials for advanced energy technologies

Development of technology to meet the energy problems facing the industrialized countries depends strongly on the availability of improved constructional materials, in order to achieve more efficient conversion and utilization of energy. Due to the use of high temperatures and aggressive environments, ceramic and composite materials have to be considered, as well as steels and superalloys. In turn, the development of materials technology relies upon research into the relationships between structure and properties of materials.

This paper argues that scientific training for materials scientists is now much more urgently needed than in the past, in order to ensure the adequate and timely development of the required materials. Materials science should therefore be reassessed and its technological aspects emphasized. Finally, proposals are made for intensified international cooperation between materials laboratories and institutions to accomplish this task.