• Engine efficiency increases at high temperatures: requires high temperature withstanding materials
• Use of nuclear energy requires solving problem with residues, or advances in nuclear waste processing.
• Hypersonic flight requires materials that are light, strong and resist high temperatures.
• Optical communications require optical fibers that absorb light negligibly.
• Civil construction – materials for unbreakable windows.
• Structures: materials that are strong like metals and resist corrosion like plastics.