Read "International Benchmarking of US Materials Science and Engineering Research" at NAP.edu

Page 93 Cite

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Benchmarking Results Tables." National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine. 1998. International Benchmarking of US Materials Science and Engineering Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9443.

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APPENDIX B

BENCHMARKING RESULTS TABLES

Page 94 Cite

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Benchmarking Results Tables." National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine. 1998. International Benchmarking of US Materials Science and Engineering Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9443.

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Relative Position of Subfield: Biomaterials

	Current Position					Likely Future Position
Sub-Subfield	1 Forefront	2	3 Among world leaders	4	5 Behind world leaders	1 Gaining/Extending	2	3 Maintaining	4	5 Losing	Comments
Tissue engineering	•					•					Clear US leadership; tremendous worldwide interest.
Molecular architecture			•					•			Strong US competition from Germany and Japan.
Protein analogs	•					•					US dominates, driven by a basic-science approach.
Biomimetics			•					•			Strong players in North America, UK, Japan.
Contemporary diagnostic systems			•						•		Large European Community investments in biosensors research could lower US ranking.
Advanced controlled-release systems		•					•				US leads; extremely high worldwide interest could change this.
Bone biomaterials			•					•			Important developments in Europe and Japan.

Page 95 Cite

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Benchmarking Results Tables." National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine. 1998. International Benchmarking of US Materials Science and Engineering Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9443.

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	Current Position					Likely Future Position
Sub-Subfield	1 Forefront	2	3 Among world leaders	4	5 Behind world leaders	1 Gaining/Extending	2	3 Maintaining	4	5 Losing	Comments
Sol-gel-derived materials	•							•			Area advanced by US for production of monolithic glass.
Self-assembled materials	•					•					US leads in fundamental advances, technologic innovation,
Integrated micromagnetics					•	•					Japan leading in power systems on-a-chip applications; US and others ahead in development of new materials.
Multilayer ferrite processing	•					•					Being advanced primarily by US industry.
3D Nanoporous silicates			•					•			New synthesis approach deserves greater scrutiny
Microwave dielectrics			•					•			Worldwide attention focused on producing low-, high-dielectric-constant materials.
Electrophoretic thin-film			•					•			Area ripe for basic, applied materials preparation research.
MEMS Heat engines	•						•				MEMS heat engines made from SiC are a new US discovery. An exciting technology, and US enjoys a major lead. Investments in MEMS fabrication facilities, foundries needed to exploit opportunities.

Page 96 Cite

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Benchmarking Results Tables." National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine. 1998. International Benchmarking of US Materials Science and Engineering Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9443.

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Single-crystal high-authority ferroelectrics	•		•		Single-crystal-oxide ferroelectrics discovered in US provide unprecedented large strains in concert with large forces (high authority). Exploitation by DOD has begun. Broad-based effort needed to establish commercial technology that benefits from discovery.
AlN–Diamond heat dissipation for power electronics		•		•	High-thermal-conductivity dielectrics, especially AlN, SiC, diamond are crucial for power electronics. Production capacity dominated by Japan; an unstable situation for the US.
Films, coatings (thermal barrier coatings, diamondlike carbon, hydroxyapetite)		•		•	Ceramic films and coatings are increasingly important for thermal protection, wear resistance, corrosion protection. US leads; major efforts in the European Union, Japan.

Page 97 Cite

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Benchmarking Results Tables." National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine. 1998. International Benchmarking of US Materials Science and Engineering Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9443.

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Relative Position of Subfield: Composites

	Current Position					Likely Future Position
Sub-Subfield	1 Forefront	2	3 Among world leaders	4	5 Behind world leaders	1 Gaining/Extending	2 Maintaining	3	4	5 Losing	Comments
Polymer matrix composites		•							•		Implementation slow, because of cost. Cost reduction efforts continue, worldwide, Industry activity: US, Japan, France equally engaged.
(a) Large integrated structures		•						•			Use of lower temperature curing matrices and electron beams allows manufacture of large integrated structures needed to reduce cost. Little basic research in US in support; France more progressive.
(b) Ambient-temperature curing (electron beams)			•						•		Enabling for integrated structures: France active.
(c) Design, testing protocols			•						•		New test methods and design practices needed to support cost reduction strategies. Minimal US activity other than NASA–ARL.
Ceramic matrix composites		•						•	•		Implementation in energy, aerospace sectors imminent. Research funding at US universities has essentially ceased. France and Japan have major initiatives.
(a) Oxide composites		•						•			Recent emphasis. Most long-life applications required oxides; technology immature. US has slim leadership position.
(b) Nonoxide composites, fibers			•						•		Japan and Germany more proactive. Stress oxidation remains a problem for many applications. Little academic activity on this topic. Japan has new program.

Page 98 Cite

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Benchmarking Results Tables." National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine. 1998. International Benchmarking of US Materials Science and Engineering Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9443.

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Metal matrix composites	•	•			New applications for particle-reinforce Al alloys led resurgence of US interest in these composites. Minimal research backup.
(a) Particle-reinforced alloys	•		•		Some research on Al2O3–Al materials; research on SiC–Ti has ceased. US remains ahead.
(b) Continuos fiber	•			•

Page 99 Cite

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Benchmarking Results Tables." National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine. 1998. International Benchmarking of US Materials Science and Engineering Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9443.

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Relative Position of Subfield: Magnetic Materials

	Current Position					Likely Future Position
Sub-Subfield	1 Forefront	2	3 Among world leaders	4	5 Behind world leaders	1 Gaining/Extending	2	3 Maintaining	4	5 Losing	Comments (sources of leadership)
Thin-film micromagnetics of			•					•			CMU, NRL. Germany
Interlayer magnetic coupling	•							•			NIST, IBM
Giant magnetoresistance (spin valves)	•							•			IBM
Spin-dependent tunneling			•			•					MIT, CMU. Japan
Magnetic nanostructures	•							•			Stanford, UCSD
Colossal magnetoresistance		•						•			Univ. of Maryland, many others

Page 100 Cite

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Benchmarking Results Tables." National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine. 1998. International Benchmarking of US Materials Science and Engineering Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9443.

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Relative Position of Subfield: Metals

	Current Position					Likely Future Position
Sub-Subfield	1 Forefront	2	3 Among world leaders	4	5 Behind world leaders	1 Gaining/Extending	2	3 Maintaining	4	5 Losing	Comments
High-temperature structural intermetallics		•					•				US among leaders in basic experimental work; at forefront in studies for real structural applications.
Amorphous (bulk), quasicrystalline, nanostructured materials (high-strength materials)			•					•			Bulk-glass-forming alloys were discovered in the US. Intensive study is going on in Japan.
Theory, modeling of atomic bonding, crystal structure, interfaces, phase diagrams, phase transformations, properties	•					•					Ab-initio calculations and non-ab-initio modeling excellent in US. Leadership at US national laboratories and universities.
GMR, related materials	•					•					Excellent studies for applications.
Hydrogen-absorbing materials applications for batteries, hydrogen storage				•					•		Recent intensive studies in Germany, Japan.
Advanced processing of materials to net shape (metallic alloys)	•					•					Excellent work in US superalloys industry (jet engine disks).
Quantitative understanding and models of plastic deformation (polycrystalline materials)			•					•			Good work in Europe, US in national laboratories, universities, industry.
Quantitative understanding of structure evolution, plastic deformation of polycrystalline metallic alloys		•					•				Strong US and European capabilities and programs.
Integration of models of structure evolution, plastic deformation, composition, processing (concurrent product–process design)		•					•				Good, but generally under–funded, programs in Europe, US. Strong capabilities at national laboratories, universities, and some companies in US, Europe.

Page 101 Cite

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Benchmarking Results Tables." National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine. 1998. International Benchmarking of US Materials Science and Engineering Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9443.

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Integration of dimensional scales from atomic clusters to test coupons to final products			•		•		No clear leader in this relatively new area
Net shape, novel processing of metallic alloys		•		•			Will continue to be a major interest of global industries; no clear leader.
Next generation of high-temperature alloys	•					•	Effects of recent massive changes in global aerospace, defense industries not yet known
Surface treatments to enhance structural performance			•			•	Coatings, etc., widely used; quantitative knowledge of effect on structural performance is weak.

Page 102 Cite

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Benchmarking Results Tables." National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine. 1998. International Benchmarking of US Materials Science and Engineering Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9443.

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Relative Position of Subfield: Electronic and Optical-Photonic Materials

	Current Position					Likely Future Position
Sub-Subfield	1 Forefront	2	3 Among world leaders	4	5 Behind world leaders	1 Gaining/Extending	2	3 Maintaining	4	5 Losing	Comments
Deep UV, electron lithography		•					•				US industry leads; rest of the world nearly equal. Key to further miniaturization in innovation a strong US area.
Systems-on-a-chip	•						•				Simulation, modeling extremely critical. US occupies preeminent position.
Copper metalization		•						•			Processing R&D vigorous worldwide.
Submicrometer plasma processing	•					•					US, Japanese industries collaborate.
Holographic storage materials		•					•				US industry, academia lead the world
Organic transistors	•						•				European industry, universities strong; US leads in materials, processing.
Photonic band-gap materials		•				•					US universities, industry lead.
Organic lasers, LEDs			•			•					US, European industry nearly equal; Japan expanding involvement.
Blue-green lasers (gallium nitride materials)					•			•			Japanese industry lead; US industry competitive.

Page 103 Cite

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Benchmarking Results Tables." National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine. 1998. International Benchmarking of US Materials Science and Engineering Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9443.

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Semiconductor processing			•			•	Comparable in industrialized countries; US, Japan lead.
Interconnects			•			•	Activities mainly in industry. This area needs, and soon could have, important innovations.
Magnetic Storage		•				•	US, Japan share leadership in GMR.
Widegap Lasers and Display				•		•	Japan started in widegap display, led in gallium nitride; other countries, including US, gaining. Japan is the clear leader in liquid crystal display.
Nanomaterials	•					•	Frontier with a promising future. US started, maintained lead; Europe, Japan investing heavily.
Semiconductor equipment		•			•		US has advanced recently. Sematech contributed to success.
Wireless				•	•		Strong capabilities in Europe.
Fibers	•					•	US does well in advancing research.

Page 104 Cite

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Benchmarking Results Tables." National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine. 1998. International Benchmarking of US Materials Science and Engineering Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9443.

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Relative Position of Subfield: Superconducting Materials

	Current Position					Likely Future Position
Sub-Subfield	1 Forefront	2	3 Among world leaders	4	5 Behind world leaders	1 Gaining/Extending	2	3 Maintaining	4	5 Losing	Comments
High-temperature superconductors (general)		•						•			Leadership between US and Japan
Hig-temperature superconductor snythesis			•					•			Leadership distributed globally. Could change with next compound discovered.
Processing of highly textured, dense bulk forms for wire, energy storage			•				•				Strong programs at ANL, LANL, and ORNL, US and Japan co-leaders. Japan is especially strong in energy storage.
Magnetic phase diagrams, properties	•						•				Strong capabilities at US universities, national laboratories.
Statistical mechanical modeling of transport and critical phenomenon		•					•				US strong but not dominant; strong European capabilities.
Experimental measurement of flux transport mechanisms		•					•				Strong US university, national laboratory capabilities.
Modeling of optical, electronic properties		•						•			US leads fundamental research.
Physical properties (other than magnetic)		•						•			Strong leadership at US universities.
Development of fluxoid imaging technologies		•					•				Strong capabilities at US universities, industry, and national laboratories. Leading capabilities in Europe.
Thin-film deposition processes		•							•		US leads; Japan could overtake.
Epitaxial, patterning techniques	•						•				US leads in surface, interface science.

Page 105 Cite

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Benchmarking Results Tables." National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine. 1998. International Benchmarking of US Materials Science and Engineering Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9443.

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Relative Position of Subfield: Polymers

	Current Position					Likely Future Position
Sub-Subfield	1 Forefront	2	3 Among world leaders	4	5 Behind world leaders	1 Gaining/Extending	2	3 Maintaining	4	5 Losing	Comments
1. Controlled polymerization Metallocene polymerization of olefins Living free radical polymerization Atom transfer radical polymerization Dendrimer polymerization Biologic synthesis Supercritical CO2 as a polymerization medium		•						•			US leads in most areas; other countries have important programs, especially in (a) and (b)
2. Multicomponent systems Blends or alloys Block, graft copolymers Nanocomposites Macrocomposites Thin-film laminates Interfaces		•						•			US has strong position; many other countries investing heavily.
3. Biomedical polymers Implants Drug delivery	•						•				US is preeminent.
4. Electronic–Photonic Conducting polymers Polymers for display devices Resist materials Electroluminescent		•					•

Page 106 Cite

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Benchmarking Results Tables." National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine. 1998. International Benchmarking of US Materials Science and Engineering Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9443.

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5. Separation media

Membranes
Molecular recognition
Barrier materials
Modified atmosphere packaging
Coatings

•

US position strong; Europe, Asia have strong efforts in membranes.

6. Theory, modeling

Molecular simulation
Monte Carlo techniques
Conformation
Scaling theory

•

US is very strong; strong efforts also in Europe.

7. Processing

Rheology
Flow instability
Computer modeling
New processes

•

Very strong efforts in Germany

Page 107 Cite

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Benchmarking Results Tables." National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine. 1998. International Benchmarking of US Materials Science and Engineering Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9443.

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Relative Position of Subfield: Catalysts

	Current Position					Likely Future Position
Sub-Subfield	1 Forefront	2	3 Among world leaders	4	5 Behind world leaders	1 Gaining/Extending	2	3 Maintaining	4	5 Losing	Comments
Catalysis			•						•		Shape-selective catalysis, metallocene catalysis for polymerization, and application of catalysts for emissions control (automobile) economically critical in US.
Selective oxidation				•					•		Selective oxidation is a growing area; applications from small to heavy chemical synthesis (30–40 million tons annually). Industry leaders in US and Europe.
Solid acid–base catalysis			•							•	Industrial activity highly competitive, secretive, largely focused in US.
Environmental catalysis			•							•	Environmental progress requires highly sophisticated industrial work. Advances made concert with applications. Strong capabilities in US, Europe, Japan.
Catalyst characterization			•					•			This area has benefited from advances in atomic resolution microscopy, necessarily equipment dependent. Utility of work depends on strong links to applications.
Combinatorial catalysis	•							•			Still in its infancy; US is strong.
Asymmetric catalysis			•						•		Highly specialized field of great importance limited-quantity manufacturing of products (significantly below the commodity level)—pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals. Industry leaders in US, Europe, Japan.

Page 108 Cite

Suggested Citation:"Appendix B: Benchmarking Results Tables." National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine. 1998. International Benchmarking of US Materials Science and Engineering Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9443.

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