Materials science challenges

The material science challenge is to understand better the electronic behavior of the interaction of hydrogen with other elements, especially metals. Complex compounds such as A1(BH4)3 have to be investigated and new compounds formed from lightweight metals and hydrogen will be discovered. 

The material science challenge is to better understand the electronic behavior of the interaction of hydrogen with other elements and... 

A challenging task in material science as well as in pharmaceutical research is to custom tailor a compound s properties. George S. Hammond stated that the most fundamental and lasting objective of synthesis is not production of new compounds, but production of properties (Norris Award Lecture, 1968). The molecular structure of an organic or inorganic compound determines its properties. Nevertheless, methods for the direct prediction of a compound s properties based on its molecular structure are usually not available (Figure 8-1). Therefore, the establishment of Quantitative Structure-Property Relationships (QSPRs) and Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSARs) uses an indirect approach in order to tackle this problem. In the first step, numerical descriptors encoding information about the molecular structure are calculated for a set of compounds. Secondly, statistical and artificial neural network models are used to predict the property or activity of interest based on these descriptors or a suitable subset. 

The AMPP represents a major response to the needs and opportunities spelled out in the materials science and engineering (MS E) report (i). Major opportunities exist for scientific breakthroughs in materials science, and many of them, perhaps most, will need chemists for the key finding or concept. Everyone who thinks about chemistry and materials can generate her or his own list. Some ideas and possibilities that seem particularly challenging and ripe for plucking by chemists are in the areas of polymers, biomolecular materials, and electronics—photonics. 

The ultimate challenge for tablet formulators in the twenty-first century is to achieve a true understanding of material properties and material science. Those who can quickly conceive a compatible, functional formulation will be irreplaceable as large companies shrink their R D resources and the public sector demands better efficiency. 

In recent times, analytical chemistry has stimulated not only chemistry but many fields of science, technology and society. Conversely, analytical chemistry itself has always been heavily influenced by fields like nuclear engineering, materials science, environmental protection, biology, and medicine. Figure 1.1 shows by which challenges analytical chemistry has been stimulated to improved performances within the last half century. 

Interfaces Identify the major discoveries and challenges at the interfaces between chemistry/chemical engineering and such areas as biology, environmental science, materials science, medicine, and physics. 

J. Brody, F. Hershkowitz and P. J. Berlowtz, Materials Challenge for ExxonMobil s Advanced Stream Reforming Process, Presentation at Materials for the Hydrogen Economy Symposium at 2005 Materials Science and Technology Meeting (2005). 

The development of analytical chemistry conhnues at a steady rate and every new discovery in chemistry, physics, molecular biology, and materials science finds a place in analytical chemistry as well. The place can either be a new tool for existing measurement challenges or a new challenge to develop stable and reliable methods. Two examples are the advent of nanostructure materials and alternative solvents, both of which saw their main development in the past decade. Nanostructural materials pose a new scale of measurement challenge in size and number. New solvents with their environmentally benign properties offer a possibility for wasteless operation. 

As can be seen from this quick sketch, Du Pont s activities in new business areas are replete with opportunities for the chemical engineer. The businesses just discussed are supported by developments in two broad areas, materials science and the life sciences. Let us look at some of the specific intellectual challenges for the chemical engineer offered by these categories of inquiry. 

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