The Department of Titanium of the Advanced Metals Division at the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS), a government-funded research institute under the Ministry of Science and ICT, received a commendation from the Minister of Science and ICT for its excellent R&D activities among the national research infrastructure institutions for materials, parts and equipment (3N). KIMS, designated as a national laboratory (N-Lab), was recognized to achieve outstanding research results at the 3N Technology Exchange at the 20th International Nanotech Symposium & Nano-Convergence Expo (Nano Korea 2022) on Wednesday, July 6th.

Since its designation as an N-Lab in 2019, the Dept. of Titanium has earned (i) 1.8 billion won of royalty agreement and (ii) 1 billion won of royalty income, (iii) published 59 papers, and (iv) achieved 26 patents application and 11 cases of registration. In addition, as a technology exchange hub for industry, academia, and research institute, the department held 3 technology exchange meetings, 3 technology lectures, and 174 technology support for domestic companies to contribute to the independence of titanium materials.

The department successfully increased the gas turbine power generation efficiency by more than 5% by raising the limit of the existing titanium blades for high-temperature gas turbines in combined cycle power plants from less than 800 degrees to more than 900 degrees. While the existing titanium blades for steam turbines require high manufacturing costs but show low strength since they use vanadium (V), a rare metal, and a 1 GPa (GPa) grade material, newly developed blades have a strength of 1.2 GPascals without using rare metals. It is remarkable that the prototype was manufactured with 100% domestic technology from material to parts (ingot → billet → mold forging → processing).

Jung-hwan Lee, the President of KIMS, said, “I am very proud that the Department of Titanium has been recognized for its excellent outcomes among 25 national laboratories (N-Lab) and 11 national research facilities (N-Facility). We will continue to do our best to promote the excellence of titanium materials and spread the technology developed by KIMS.”