Materials challenges for the next century

Abstract

The cliche `we live in a material world' seems so true. Even a cursory cataloguing of materials around, adds up to an impressive list. There are so many to choose from, and almost all of them new. More materials have been developed this century than all past centuries combined and the list is truly grand. As overtures for the next millennium begin to sound, we are tempted to speculate on materials that will persevere into the coming decades and beyond, with the information technology (IT) revolution promising even more challenging material science and technology bloom.