Advanced materials are future materials promising significant
return on investments to manufacturing firms. The Technology Strategy Board
(TSB) defines advanced materials as: ‘materials designed for targeted
properties. Investment in research and development of advanced materials
relates to enhancing the properties of traditional materials (viz. metals,
polymers, ceramics, glasses and composites) to obtain superior performance for
a targeted application.
Advanced materials can be broadly classified into the following
types:
Structural materials- The major classes include metals, metallic
alloys and metal matrix composites (MMC); polymers and polymer matrix
composites (PMC); ceramics and ceramic matrix composites (CMC); together with
concretes, glasses and natural materials, e.g. wood
Functional materials- These materials generally exhibit some
non-structural properties; such as electronic, magnetic or optical properties,
and are incorporated into associated functional devices and systems; for
example, microelectronics, photonics and electrical machines. Materials under
this field are classified under plastic electronics, superconductors, magnetic
materials, electronic materials for use in extreme environments (e.g. SiC),
compound semiconductors, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and optical
materials.
Multifunctional materials- These materials represent a diverse and
multidisciplinary area, with links to functional, structural and biomaterials.
These materials have high value application in aerospace, transportation;
healthcare; packaging; energy; construction; security; consumer products and
defense industries. In addition, there are strong environmental, energy-related
and sustainability drivers, increasingly being underpinned by legislation. Two
examples of applications to illustrate this field are: damage tolerant,
self-diagnostic and self-healing materials; and fully-integrated
structural/power generating materials.
Biomaterials- Biomaterials can be defined either as materials
applied to a biological system or materials derived from a biological source.
Applications in biological system include implants, tissue scaffolds and
sensors. An application of biologically sourced material, biopolymers offers
the prospect of a renewable source for new materials with low carbon footprint.
Biomass-generated polymers include celluloses, starches, chitosan and proteins.
Nanomaterials- Nanomaterials cross function advanced materials
considered to be a subset of each of the above categories, operating at the
nanoscale (less than 100nm dimension). An improved understanding of materials
at the nanoscale, and the ability to control their structure provides potential
to develop a range of products with novel characteristics, functions and
applications. Classes of nanomaterials include thin films and surface coatings
(1-D); nanotubes, wires and fibers (2-D); and nanoparticles, quantum dots and
nanocrystalline materials (3-D).
Prismane consulting helps companies identify opportunities within
advanced materials industry and guides them in market entry and market
penetration strategies for their specific products.