APPENDIX A
PRIORITIES IN MATERIALS RESEARCH
COSMAT QUESTIONNAIRE METHODOLOGY AND SOME RESULTS
The goal of the questionnaire used by COSMAT was to determine priorities among topics in basic and applied research in materials science and engineering, as viewed by scientists and engineers knowledgeable in the field. Some 2,800 questionnaires were mailed out using a mailing list which was selected to provide representative coverage of materials science and engineering. 555 of the responses were sufficiently complete to be included in the analysis.
Characteristics of Responding Group
Age: 50 and up, 262; 40–49, 214; 30–39, 74; under 30, 5
Highest Degrees: PhD., 379; Master, 78; Bachelor, 62; Blanks, 36
Discipline of Highest Degree: Metallurgy and Ceramics, 172; Physics, 153; Chemistry, 95; Engineering, 71; Other, 8; Blanks, 56
Employer: Industrial, 215; Academic, 187; Government, 120; Non Profit, 16; Other, 17
Activity: Research, 350; Teaching, 181; Development or Engineering, 122; Technical Management, 262; General Management, 76; Other, 52
Number Managed (if a manager): over 100, 81; 10–100, 163; less than 10, 80
Rating Process
Respondents rated priorities for basic and applied research in various specialties of materials science and engineering on a five-level scale. Rating numbers were then calculated from:
where (1) is the number of “very high” responses, (2) is the number of “high” responses, etc. This gives a rating number for each specialty between 0 and 100, where 0 would mean all “very low” responses and 100 would mean all “very high” responses. In the case of applied research, the priority rating for each specialty was obtained on the basis of its relative importance to various national inpact areas and subareas. The respondents also rated their own familiarity with each specialty on a five-level scale, and a rating number for such familiarity was similarly calculated. The questionnaire covered 46 specialties in materials science and engineering, nine national impact areas, and 52 subareas.
The data presented here are condensed from a more extensive analysis of the replies to the questionnaire, which will be included in a later COSMAT report. The fuller report will also give break-downs of responses by various subgroups selected according to academic discipline, highest degree, age, type of institution, type of activity, and management level. These subgroups showed some individual differences, but by and large the responses of the various subgroups were remarkably similar.
Overall Importance of Materials Science and Engineering
Materials science and engineering can have different levels of impact on the various areas of technology in which materials are involved. To assess these differences, the questionnaire made use of nine Areas of Impact. The respondents were first asked to rate the overall importance of materials science and engineering to each of these Areas. Based on the average response, the Areas of Impact can be divided into three groups:
Very High Importance |
Communications, Computers, and Control Defense and Space Energy |
High Importance |
Transportation Equipment Health Services Environmental Quality Housing and Other Construction |
Moderate Importance |
Production Equipment Consumer Goods |
A similar analysis was also based on the responses of only those deemed to be particularly knowledgeable in the given Areas of Impact. Respondents who chose to rate a particular Areas or Subarea of Impact in detail were grouped together (by Area of Impact) and the responses in each of these groups was averaged (respondents could be in more than one group). This method of analysis provided a rating of the overall importance of materials science and engineering to each Area of Impact as rated by persons expert in it. The results classified the Areas of Impact into almost exactly the same rank order as shown above.
We conclude that, in the assessment of the general importance of materials science and engineering to the various Areas of Impact,
opinions of the “experts” and the overall opinions matched fairly closely.
Methodology of Data Handling
A list of specialties within materials science and engineering was presented in the questionnaire, divided into three categories: Properties of Materials, Classes of Materials, and Processes for Materials. These are listed in Table A-1. Each respondent was asked to indicate his level of familiarity with each of these specialties and to rate the priority for Basic Research (research not specifically identified with any one Area of Impact) for each specialty. The familiarity and priority responses for each specialty were arithmetically averaged over all the respondents and the results are presented in Table A-1.
To assess the priorities for Applied Research, the Area of Impact is important. Within each Area of Impact, several Subareas were identified. These are listed in Table A-2. Each respondent was requested to select up to five Subareas of Impact and, for each, to rate the importance of Applied Research and Engineering in each of the specialties under Properties, Materials, and Processes. In addition, for each chosen Subarea of Impact, priority ratings were obtained for research activities according to the various disciplines comprising materials science and engineering. The respondents also indicated their degree of familiarity with each of the disciplines.
TABLE A-1
Priority Ratings for Basic Research in Materials Science and Engineering, Arranged according to Specialties
SPECIALTY |
Familiarity of Respondents |
Priority for Basic Research |
Properties of Materials |
|
|
Atomic Structure |
61 |
68 |
Microstructure (Electron Microscope Level) |
54 |
69 |
Microstructure (Optical Microscope Level) |
61 |
53 |
Thermodynamic |
60 |
64 |
Thermal |
54 |
57 |
Mechanical and Acoustic |
60 |
70 |
Optical |
48 |
61 |
Electrical |
55 |
66 |
Magnetic |
45 |
52 |
Dielectric |
43 |
52 |
Nuclear |
41 |
60 |
Chemical and Electrochemical |
49 |
70 |
Biological |
20 |
56 |
Classes of Materials |
|
|
Ceramics |
54 |
72 |
Glasses and Amorphous Materials |
52 |
68 |
Elemental and Compound Semiconductors |
47 |
62 |
Inorganic, Nonmetallic Elements and Compounds |
50 |
59 |
Ferrous Metals and Alloys |
58 |
59 |
Nonferrous Structural Metals and Alloys |
53 |
63 |
Nonferrous Conducting Metals and Alloys |
51 |
57 |
Plastics |
40 |
65 |
Fibers and Textiles |
28 |
46 |
Rubbers |
24 |
42 |
Composites |
45 |
70 |
Organic and Organo Metallic Compounds |
28 |
51 |
Thin Films |
43 |
62 |
Adhesives, Coatings, Finishes, Seals |
33 |
58 |
Lubricants, Oils, Solvents, Cleansers |
23 |
43 |
Prosthetic and Medical Materials |
21 |
54 |
Plain and Reinforced Concrete |
21 |
31 |
Asphaltic and Bituminous Materials |
16 |
27 |
Wood and Paper |
20 |
30 |
Processes for Materials |
|
|
Extraction, Purification, Refining |
43 |
60 |
Synthesis and Polymerization |
33 |
61 |
Solidification and Crystal Growth |
59 |
66 |
Metal Deformation and Processing |
49 |
56 |
Plastics Extrusion and Molding |
29 |
43 |
Heat Treatment |
58 |
55 |
Material Removal |
44 |
51 |
Joining |
47 |
61 |
Powder Processing |
43 |
56 |
Vapor and Electrodeposition, Epitaxy |
43 |
58 |
Radiation Treatment |
35 |
55 |
Plating and Coating |
42 |
55 |
Chemical |
39 |
51 |
Testing and Nondestructive Testing |
62 |
71 |
TABLE A-2
Responses Received, Arranged according to Areas and Subareas of Impact
Code Number |
Areas and Subareas |
Number of Responses |
10 |
COMMUNICATIONS, COMPUTERS, AND CONTROL |
31 |
11 |
Commercial Radio and TV Equipment |
10 |
12 |
Computers |
66 |
13 |
Electronic Components |
144 |
14 |
Equipment for Guidance and Control of Transportation |
8 |
15 |
Teaching Equipment |
14 |
16 |
Telephone and Data Networks and Equipment |
41 |
|
Total |
314 |
20 |
CONSUMER GOODS |
10 |
21 |
Apparel and Textiles |
20 |
22 |
Furniture |
6 |
23 |
Household Appliances—Electronic (TV, Radio, hi-fi, etc.) |
23 |
24 |
Household Appliances—Nonelectronic (refrigerators, ranges, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, etc.) |
19 |
25 |
Leisure and Sports Equipment |
4 |
26 |
Packaging and Containers |
34 |
27 |
Printing and Photography |
25 |
|
Total |
141 |
30 |
DEFENSE AND SPACE |
39 |
31 |
Military Aircraft |
81 |
32 |
Missiles |
38 |
33 |
Naval Vessels |
25 |
34 |
Ordnance and Weapons |
38 |
35 |
Radar and Military Communications |
46 |
36 |
Spacecraft |
54 |
37 |
Undersea Equipment |
35 |
|
Total |
356 |
40 |
ENERGY |
35 |
41 |
Batteries and Fuel Cells |
100 |
42 |
Direct Conversion |
62 |
43 |
Electronic Transmission and Distribution |
64 |
44 |
Fuel Transmission and Distribution |
9 |
45 |
Nuclear Reactors |
92 |
46 |
Thermonuclear Fusion |
54 |
47 |
Turbines and Generators |
66 |
|
Total |
482 |
50 |
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY |
28 |
51 |
Mining and Raw Materials Extraction |
65 |
52 |
Pollution |
83 |
53 |
Recycling and Solid Waste Disposal |
94 |
54 |
Reliability, Safety, Maintainability |
25 |
55 |
Substitution Opportunities |
19 |
56 |
Working Conditions |
10 |
|
Total |
324 |
Code Number |
Areas and Subareas |
Number of Responses |
60 |
HEALTH SERVICES |
14 |
61 |
Artificial Organs |
39 |
62 |
Medical Electronics |
13 |
63 |
Medical Equipment (including dental) |
10 |
64 |
Prosthetic Devices (including dental) |
64 |
|
Total |
140 |
70 |
HOUSING AND OTHER CONSTRUCTION |
21 |
71 |
Construction Machinery |
1 |
72 |
Highways, Bridges, Airports, etc. |
19 |
73 |
Individual and Multiple Unit Dwellings |
44 |
74 |
Industrial and Commercial Structures |
12 |
75 |
Mobile Homes |
13 |
76 |
Plumbing, Heating, Electrical, etc. |
20 |
|
Total |
130 |
80 |
PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT |
6 |
81 |
Farm and Construction Machinery |
10 |
82 |
Industrial Drives, Motors, and Controls |
9 |
83 |
Industrial Instrumentation |
15 |
84 |
Machine Tools |
22 |
85 |
Process Equipment |
43 |
|
Total |
105 |
90 |
TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT |
23 |
91 |
Aircraft |
48 |
92 |
Automotive |
75 |
93 |
Guided Ground Transportation (rail, nonrail) |
30 |
94 |
Water |
4 |
|
Total |
180 |
Basic Research
The numbers in Table A-1 show a trend: generally speaking, the greater the average familiarity, the greater the average priority given. This can be seen graphically in Figure A-1, where the Priority Rating for Basic Research is plotted against the Familiarity Rating for each Property, Material, and Process specialty. In an attempt to take account of these interplays, relative priority levels were determined from the rating numbers by three different methods:
Uncorrected for Familiarity
Respondents were divided into four groups according to the discipline of their highest degree—chemists, physicists, metallurgists (including ceramists), and engineers. The simple rank orders in which each of these groups placed the Property, Class, and Process specialties were determined. The four disciplinary groups were then given equal weight in arriving at average rating numbers for given specialties.
Corrected for Familiarity
Here an attempt was made to correct the rating numbers for the degree of familiarity. Priority/familiarity trend lines were established graphically for each specialty, and the rank orders of the specialties were determined as the trend line was swept through the plots. This was done for each of the four disciplinary groups, and again the groups were given equal weight in determining average rank orders.
Experts
Here we based the rank orderings on the opinions of the experts in each specialty. As previously mentioned, the experts were chosen by selecting those who indicated very high familiarity with the specialty. The responses of each group of experts (chemists, physicists, metallurgists and ceramists, and engineers) were then normalized So that the average response of each group over all specialties was the same. After this normalization, which was designed to give each group equal standing, despite their different numbers among the respondents, the various specialties were ranked according to the opinions of the experts in that specialty.
Table 17 in this report shows, on the left, the rank ordering for basic research in the various specialties, corrected for familiarity in the specialties. These ratings were converted to a four-symbol scale, where xxx designates very high priority, xx high priority, x moderate priority, and a blank indicates low priority. These indicators are listed in the second column on the right of Table 17. The uncorrected data were analyzed in the same way, with the results shown in the first column on the right. The rank ordering by experts in each specialty is shown similarly in the third column. The relative priority levels for basic research in the specialties depended somewhat on the method of analysis. For example, among Processes, research in radiation treatment was rated as low priority by the method uncorrected for familiarity, but was rated as moderate priority after correcting for familiarity, and as very high priority by the experts in radiation treatment. It was felt that particular
significance should be attached to those cases in which the specialty was rated as very high priority both by the familiarity-corrected method and by the experts in that specialty. Such weighting is incorporated in the Overall Ratings listed in the fourth column on the right of Table 17.
Comments were requested in the questionnaire on specific research topics that the respondents considered important for each specialty. These comments are summarized below for the top-priority specialties. Here the asterisk denotes topics that were mentioned very frequently.
Properties of Materials
Chemical and Electrochemical. *Corrosion, stress corrosion, and oxidation (in aqueous systems, biological media, and hot gases; of aluminum, titanium, iron and steel, ceramics, thin films, concrete, and refractories; role of surface states, defects, and impurities)
*Catalysis (role of surface structure, impurities, free radicals, surface states and charges; nature of adsorption mechanisms)
Flammability
Electrochemical reactions
Chemical stability
Fundamental physics and chemistry of surfaces.
Biological. *Biodegradability (bacterial corrosion mechanisms, role of fungi, enzymes, hyphae, etc., fundamental mechanisms of interaction of materials and the environment)
*Biocompatibility (interaction between materials and blood and tissue, immunological response to implants, protein interaction with surfaces)
*Toxicity (ecological impact of materials, pollution standards, mechanisms of heavy metal incorporation into biological compounds)
Classes of Materials
Ceramics. Mechanical properties (tensile and impact strength, toughness, ductility, creep, thermal shock resistance; effect of flaws, effect of grain boundaries and microstructure) Impurity effects (on diffusion, thermal, electronic, and ionic conductivity; on magnetic and optical properties)
Plastics. *Durability (at high temperatures; degradation mechanisms) Mechanical properties (relation to structure, bonding, side-chains, cross-linking; role of thermal and mechanical history)
Composites. *Interface bonding properties (fundamentals of fiber-matrix interface, compatibility and stability, stress transfer, characterization on microelasticity scale, effect of molecular variables in adhesives)
Mechanical properties (strength, ductility, fracture; rheological properties; direction properties)
Prosthetic and Medical Materials. *Biocompatibility (materials with physical and chemical properties matching adjacent hard and soft tissue; nature of surface mechanisms of interaction of materials with cells and proteins, blood adsorption; correlation between
in vivo and in vitro behavior; biorejection chemistry; electrical interaction with body fluids; durability)
New biomaterials (specific membranes, biological adhesives, glassy carbon, fluoropolymers, block polymers with ionic domains for controlled transport of long-term drugs)
Materials Processes
Testing and Nondestructive Testing. *Flaw detection (techniques for giving geometric description and location of flaws; crystallinity, texture; crack propagation, fatigue, creep; joint integrity)
Automatic monitoring (simultaneous checking of several parameters to monitor manufacturing processes)
Prediction of service life (accelerated aging testing, service environment testing, in-service indicators of incipient failure)
Exploitation of new physical phenomena and insights concerning interaction of radiation with matter
Techniques for testing special materials (biomaterials, nuclear materials, electronics materials, etc.)
Low-Priority Areas
The specialties rated as low priority for basic research (see Table 17) are of two general types. Some are specialties which have been heavily studied in the past, leading to diminishing returns for such research today. Possible examples are Ferrous Metals and Alloys and Nonferrous Conducting Metals and Alloys. Others are areas which have not been subjected to intensive basic
research, such as Concrete, Asphalt, and Wood. In these cases our fundamental understanding may not have advanced to the point where research opportunities are clearly discerned, even by experts in the field.
Applied Research and Engineering
The responses for Applied Research and Engineering were treated as for the Basic Research, except that, since the respondents claimed to be knowledgeable in the Areas of Impact they selected, the overall averages for each specialty were used, rather than dividing the responses into the four groups according to disciplines. For the Areas of Impact, including all Subareas, the uncorrected rankings, ranking corrected for familiarity, and the rankings by experts were averaged (giving more weight to the latter two ratings), in order to arrive at the Overall Rating for each specialty relative to each Area of Impact, as indicated in Table 15.
Several specialties stand out with high-priority ratings almost across the board:
Chemical properties, for example, are rated as high priority for basic research and for several impact areas. From the comments it is clear that this assessment is related in part to the pervasive problems of corrosion, oxidation, and degradation, and the limitations they set on materials applications.
Mechanical properties also receive broad priority, as stronger and tougher materials are needed in nearly all fields of technology.
Of the materials classes, plastics received the highest overall priority rating, reflecting the rapidly-growing use of these materials in a wide range of applications. Table 15 also indicates the broad importance of composite materials, non-ferrous structural metals and alloys, ceramics and adhesives, coatings, finishes and seals. Under processes, testing was of the most widespread priority, with joining, polymer synthesis, and plastics extrusion and molding also rated high in many areas.
Although the above specialties received the broadest priority ratings, in certain Areas of Impact other specialties were ranked of equal or greater importance. Biological properties, for example, received high ratings in the Environmental and Health areas. Semiconductors, glasses, prosthetic materials, and lubricants ranked high for specific impact areas, as did the processes of vapor deposition and chemical processing.
It is obvious that the selected impact areas are very broad in scope. As a result, some specialties which rated low in particular impact areas were found to have high ratings in certain subareas. For instance, Electrical Properties were accorded only moderate priority in the area of Energy, but high ratings in the Subareas of Batteries and Fuel Cells, Direct Conversion, and Electrical Transmission and Distribution, and low ratings in the Subareas of Nuclear Reactors, Thermonuclear Fusion, and Turbines and Generators.
The written comments of the respondents relating to needs in Applied Research and Engineering are summarized below. Only the comments on the specialties rated as “very high priority” or “high
priority” for Applied Research and Engineering in the various Areas of Impact are included here. Three asterisks indicate very high priority and two asterisks indicate high priority.
Communications, Computers, and Control
Properties
***Electrical: memories; solid state circuitry, large scale integration, display devices, Josephson devices, charge-coupled devices; miniaturization; reliability
**Atomic Structure: perfection; quality of crystals; surface effects; electromigration; ion implantation
**Microstructure (electron-microscopy level): defects in III-V and II-VI semiconductors; defects in crystals; films and epitaxy; interface imperfections; electromigration; yields; metallization
**Optical: optical properties; displays, solid-state lasers; light-emitting diodes; nonlinear optical materials; optical communications; low loss optical fibers for optical communications; optical modulators; optical storage
**Dielectric: high-voltage dielectrics; high temperature dielectrics; surface effects at semiconductor/insulator interfaces; encapsulation; better capacitors; substrates
Materials
***Elemental and Compound Semiconductors: for electronic circuits; large-scale integration; for displays; for solid-state lasers; for semiconductor memory; variable bandgap; high-temperature semiconductors
***Thin Films: for large-scale integration; for light-emitting diodes; of II-VI compounds; control of metallization; thin-film memories; thin-film integrated optical devices; epitaxy; perfection of thin films; bubble memories
**Ceramics: substrates, oxide layers, dielectrics; integrated optics; encapsulation; laser windows
**Glasses and Amorphous Materials: optical transmission; integrated optics; laser windows; amorphous semiconductors; radiation-hard switches; radiation damage; glass for passivation; glass/metal seals
**Inorganic, Nonmetallic Elements and Compounds: electrooptic microelectronics; sensors; displays; modulators; detectors; bubble memories
Processes
***Vapor and Electrodeposition, Epitaxy: yield and processing of large-scale integrated circuits; thin film quality; epitaxy; greater miniaturization; control of metallization
***Chemical: corrosion; compatibility in environment; contacts; connectors; doping; distribution of dopants; etching
**Extraction, Purification, Refining: purification; synthesis; characterization; high purity optical glasses
**Synthesis and Polymerization: encapsulants; conducting adhesives; coatings; seals
**Solidification and Crystal Growth: larger, more perfect crystals; monolithic processing of III-V’s
**Radiation Treatment: ion implantation; radiation damage
**Plating and Coating: encapsulation; environmental protection
Consumer Goods
Materials
***Plastics: stronger plastics; wear resistance; less brittleness; non-flammable plastics; impact-resistant plastics; biodegradable plastics; high-impact foams; conducting plastics; semiconducting plastics
**Adhesives, Coatings, Finishes, Seals: Resistant polymers and rubbers; corrosion protection; enamels; hot-water tank coatings; self-cleaning coatings for ranges; reduce permeability of packaging films; bonding; fastening; adhesive joining of fabrics
**Wood and Paper: Wet strength of corrugated paper; fireproof paper
Processes
***Plastics Extrusion and Moldings: reinforced plastics; composites; shaping and forming; fabrication ease; colloid properties; improved fibers
**Synthesis and Polymerization: composite processing; biodegradable polymers; improved cross-linking; molecular architecture for special properties; special visco-elastic properties; improve fiber strength by controlling molecular orientation
Defense and Space
Properties
***Mechanical and Acoustic: higher strength/weight; lightweight armor; high strength; mechanical properties of composites; high-temperature materials; fatigue; corrosion fatigue; crack propagation; high-temperature fatigue; creep resistance; fracture toughness; impact resistance; fatigue resistance; undersea equipment; materials for pressure hulls
**Microstructure, Electron Microscope Level: dispersion hardening; microstructural stability; corrosion pitting; uniformity of mechanical properties; radiation-resistant materials; hydrogen compatibility
Materials
**Nonferrous Structural Metals and Alloys: improved mechanical properties of structural metals and alloys (see above)
**Plastics: high-strength plastics; superstrength plastics for naval vessel superstructures; high-strength fibers
**Composites: composites for ship construction; structural designs for composites; improved fracture toughness of composites; fatigue-resistant composites; dispersion-hardened alloys; reliability of composites
**Adhesives, Coatings, Finishes, Seals: high-temperature coatings; fabrication of metal-nonmetal systems; integrity of polymer adhesives; degradation of adhesive bonds; antifouling coatings for ships; coatings to reduce corrosion; low drag and low contamination paints; room-temperature curing adhesives; thermal-control coatings; ablation materials; cements; sealants for deep-sea equipment
Processes
**Joining: welding of titanium; weldable aluminum alloys; welding of dispersion-hardened alloys; joining of composites; adhesion mechanisms; seals for undersea repeaters
**Testing and Nondestructive Testing: failure analysis; service life; failure prediction; nondestructive testing for welds
Energy
Properties
***Chemical: batteries; higher energy density; improved electrodes; lower weight; longer life; catalysts for batteries; new container materials for batteries; corrosion of cables, of heat exchangers, of turbine blades; radiation effects on corrosion; high-temperature corrosion
**Atomic Structure: solid-state electrolytes; hydrogen embrittlement; super-conducting materials for power transmission
**Microstructure (Electron Microscope Level): Radiation resistance; swelling; void formation; blistering; stability under high neutron fluxes; radiation-hard control equipment
**Thermodynamic: combustion efficiency; thermoelectric power converters; magnetohydrodynamic conversion systems; electrohydrodynamic conversion systems
**Mechanical and Acoustical: high-temperature materials for reactors, both for fuel containers and converters; lightweight conductors; high-temperature alloys for turbines; high-temperature bearings; creep; fracture toughness; high strength; toughness; notch sensitivity; fracture propagation in pipeline materials
Materials
**Ceramics: high-temperature materials for burners; for plasma containment; high-voltage insulators; ceramics for turbine blades
Processes
**Testing and Nondestructive Testing: failure criteria; lifetime prediction; nondestructive testing of reactor components
Environmental Quality
Properties
**Chemical: catalysts for automobile exhausts; pollution detection of control systems; improved, cleaner extraction processes; improved benefication of ores; recovery processes
**Biological: air quality, water quality, land pollution; health hazards; noise; handling corrosive, toxic and dusty materials; biodegradable plastics
Materials
**Plastics: flammability; toxicity; reproducibility of properties; flame retardant; wear; recyclable polymers; scrap polymers used as fuels
Processes
**Extraction, Purification, Refining: improved extraction methods; improved incineration methods; recovery and recycling of wastes; control of pollution and environmental degradation caused by mining and extraction; develop sorting mechanisms and recovery procedures for scrap
Health Services
Properties
***Chemical: understand enzymes, proteins and nuclides; effects of drugs, stimulants and depressants; corrosion of implants; microbial corrosion; stress corrosion
***Biological: biological response to implants; biocompatibility; rejection; toxicity; immunological response
**Microstructure (Electron Microscope Level): adhesion; prosthesis/tissue interface; adhesion between implants and tissue
**Mechanical and Acoustical: artificial bone, teeth, tissue, membranes and organs, better filling material for teeth; fatigue; wear; alloys for joints; high strength
Materials
***Plastics: membranes; artificial teeth; dental adhesives; artificial heart valves; encapsulants for implants; containers for blood
***Prosthetic and Medical Materials: implants; artificial organs, bones, teeth, tissue and membranes; compatibility and biological response
**Fibers and Textiles: membranes, fine wires, organ replacements
**Rubbers: artificial organs, tissue, membranes
**Composites: for implants; bone and tooth replacements; joints; pins; matching strength and stiffness
**Organo- and Organometallic Compounds: prothesis-tissue interface; adhesion between bone and tissue; for implants
Processes
**Synthesis and Polymerization: dental adhesives; compatibility; interface between tissue and prosthesis
**Plastics Extrusion and Molding: precision forming; controlled porosity; artificial organs; heart valves; membranes
**Testing and Nondestructive Testing: quality control; methods to evaluate compatibility; characterization of properties of implants; chemical sensors and monitors
Housing and Other Construction
Properties
**Mechanical and Acoustical: low assembly costs; high stiffness and strength; improved “warmth” of plastics; effects of rolling loads on road surfaces; durability
**Chemical: corrosion; atmospheric degradation; flammability; climate effects on pavement; thermal stability Materials
**Plastics: develop plastics and easy fabrication methods for use in housing; plastic structures
**Composites: multilayer panels; composites for structural uses; blended ceramics in liquid form; low cost; corrosion-resistant concrete; reinforcement composites to replace steel and concrete
**Adhesives, Coatings, Finishes, Seals: sealants, new joining methods; improved enamel for plumbing
Processes
**Plastics Extrusion and Molding: low-cost polymer fabrication methods; new fabrication methods
**Joining: prefabrication methods; joint materials for bridges
Production Equipment
Materials
**Ferrous Metals and Alloys: harder dies; better cutting tools; better saws; rust resistance
**Non-ferrous Structural Metals and Alloys: cold-forming metals; improved wear and fatigue properties
**Lubricants, Oils, Solvents, Cleansers: tribology-lubricants; wear and abrasion resistance
Processes
**Testing and Nondestructive Testing: quality control; fatigue failures
Transportation Equipment
Properties
***Mechanical and Acoustical: improved strength/weight for auto bodies and engines and for aircraft; fatigue; crack propagation; temperature cycling; impact resistance; wear of tires; energy-absorbing systems; better bearings
**Microstructure (Electron Microscope Level): higher strength/weight; super alloys for engines; corrosion resistance; stress corrosion
**Chemical: corrosion resistance; stress corrosion; corrosion fatigue; high-temperature oxidation; catalytic converters for automotive exhaust
Materials
***Adhesives, Coatings, Finishes, Seals: Adhesives and sealants for aircraft; adhesives for automobile bodies, frames, and repairs; coatings for automobile mufflers; coatings for turbine blades; seals for gas turbines; seals for Wankel engines; refractory coatings
***Lubricants, Oils, Solvents, Cleansers: wear, abrasion resistance
**Ferrous Metals and Alloys: improved strength/weight; improved high-temperature properties; corrosion resistance
**Non-ferrous Structural Metals and Alloys: development of titanium and beryllium alloys; superalloys; high-temperature materials for turbine engines
**Plastics: for automobile bodies; composites; higher strength/weight
**Rubbers: wear and reliability of tires; fabrication processes for tires; castable tires; nondestructive testing for tires
**Composites: develop composites for use in engine and bodies of automobiles and aircraft; joining metals
Processes
**Metal Deformation and Processing: more automation; improved casting; nondestructive testing evaluation; improved fabrication methods; new foundry processes; lower cost
**Heat Treatment: improved strength/weight; improved strength; high-temperature properties; warping and cracking during heat treatment
**Material Removal: improved shaping methods; lower cost; more efficient methods
**Joining: fasteners and bonding systems for aircraft and for automobiles; joining methods for composite materials