Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS), a government-funded research institute under the Ministry of Science and ICT, published the White Paper on Materials Technology 2021. The white paper, the first of its kind in Korea, systematically organizes materials information through the participation of experts in related topics. The white paper has been published in 2009 and is now in its thirteenth edition.

This year's theme is materials technology for extreme environments. There are increasing demand and importance for materials used in extreme environments (ultra high or cryogenic temperature, certain extreme environment) related to promising industries including aerospace, aviation, energy, and carbon neutrality. However, most of the extreme materials are designated as export-controlled items, and only a few countries and companies monopolize them. It may be used as a means of economic retaliation or a hegemonic economy between countries. Despite Korean government's support policy for materials, parts, and equipment (MPE), Korea continues to depend on import of extreme materials. The core items of future technology and MPE to solve major issues in the future society include a number of technologies related to extreme materials.

The White Paper on Materials Technology 2021 focused on extreme environment materials technology that will innovate materials research. Materials related to extreme environments are largely divided into (i) ultra-high temperature environment materials, (ii) cryogenic environment materials, and (iii) certain extreme environment materials, and classified into 12 technologies. It contains a technology overview for each technology, R&D trends, and development directions.

Jung-Hwan Lee, the President of KIMS, said, "The reason the explorer Roald Amundsen was able to reach the South Pole for the first time was his thorough preparation for an extreme environment for his expedition. Now and in the future, mankind must challenge the extreme environment and overcome the limitations, and I hope that the White Paper on Materials Technology will be of some help in finding the answer.”

The White Paper on Materials Technology 2021 can be downloaded from the website of KIMS (www.kims.re.kr) and has been published in book form.