How can new chemical materials support future industries?

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　　From chips with faster transmission speeds to more secure and reliable power grids, from heart stents that can be absorbed by the human body to robots that can enter households, behind every breakthrough in future industries lies the support of new chemical materials. At the Future Industry Development Forum held as part of the 2026 Petrochemical Industry Development Conference recently, experts present agreed that the capability to develop and commercialize new chemical materials is becoming a key factor for industries to move from the laboratory to the market in the future. 　　Supporting future information systems \"The development of artificial intelligence and the construction of a Digital China place higher demands on high-performance computing and storage, high-speed and large-capacity network communications, as well as intelligent human-computer interaction systems, and this requires the support of a range of new information materials.\" ”**Xie Man, deputy secretary-general of the Expert Advisory Committee on New Materials, said. 　　In the field of advanced computing, as integrated circuit manufacturing technologies advance to process nodes below 2 nanometers, the semiconductor technologies used for computing are approaching their physical limits. Two-dimensional semiconductor materials such as graphene, metallic carbon nanotubes, and metallic transition metal dichalcogenides hold promise in overcoming the limitations of silicon-based semiconductors, and they could become key materials for next-generation chips in the post-Moore era. In terms of storage, constrained by the challenges associated with scaling down capacitors, the traditional approach of relying on semiconductor manufacturing processes to increase density has become obsolete. There is an urgent need to develop new materials and new processes in order to improve the cost-effectiveness and capacity of 3D memory. 　　In the field of key materials for communications and networks, new network scenarios such as next-generation human-computer interaction networks, integrated living and transportation networks, and omni-directional space-air-ground networks will continue to emerge. There is an urgent need to develop new devices and materials required for future network systems, such as wide-bandgap semiconductor materials like gallium nitride, highly polarized wurtzite ferroelectric materials, advanced functional ceramic materials, and magnetic materials. 　　In the field of new display technologies and key materials, the form of display applications will evolve from flat-panel displays to flexible displays using roll-to-roll processes and ubiquitous displays, and further to multi-dimensional and 3D displays. New materials that support solution-based OLED/QLED displays, ultra-high-capacity micro-nano displays, and ultra-high-definition laser displays will emerge one after another. 　　Contributing to the transformation of the energy system: Xie Man pointed out that the energy system is currently undergoing profound changes, and there is an urgent need to develop new types of energy materials in order to improve the efficiency of clean energy utilization. 　　In the photovoltaic sector, N-type single-crystalline silicon cell technology will gradually replace passivated emitter backside contact cell technology to become the mainstream in the market. At the same time, thin-film solar cells and new type tandem solar cells exhibit significant advantages in terms of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. Improving the conversion efficiency of crystalline silicon cells, and accelerating the industrialization of materials for thin-film solar cells as well as new types of tandem solar cell materials, are key pathways for China’s photovoltaic industry to maintain its leadership in the world. 　　In the battery sector, with the advancement of electrification in transportation and the pursuit of cleaner energy sources, power batteries and energy storage batteries need to make faster progress in improving their energy density, cycle life, and safety. At present, China has made significant breakthroughs in new battery materials such as nano-silicon-carbon anode materials, high-voltage ternary, lithium cobalt oxide, and lithium-rich manganese-based cathode materials, as well as oxide solid electrolytes and in-situ solidified electrolytes. However, further efforts are still needed to improve key technical indicators such as the performance and degradation rate of batteries and electrochemical stacks. 　　Furthermore, in the field of wind power, domestically produced carbon fiber has already been used in 120-meter-class offshore wind turbines, and research teams are developing carbon fiber and composite materials for 140-meter-class ultra-large wind turbines. In the field of clean and efficient energy utilization, ultra-supercritical power generation technology represents the mainstream approach for the clean and efficient use of fossil fuels. Currently, various countries are developing 700°C ultra-supercritical power plants, and there is an urgent need to gain a technological advantage by advancing the industrialization of materials and components. In the field of smart grids, China’s smart grid development projects impose higher demands on the power density, reliability, and controllability of AC and DC transmission devices. Third-generation semiconductor devices, represented by silicon carbide, will become the core technology for next-generation power conversion. 　　Multi-dimensional empowerment for the health industry: Medical polymer materials are an important foundation for the future health industry. Shi Hengchong, a researcher at the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, outlined the five key trends in biomedical polymer materials. 　　First, polyolefin materials are “replacing” traditional materials. For example, polypropylene is gradually replacing glass and polycarbonate, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is replacing ceramics, polymethylpentene is replacing Teflon, and polyolefin elastomers are replacing soft PVC and rubber. These replacements will make commonly used products such as sterile syringes and prefilled flush syringes safer and more durable. 　　Second, there is great potential for the development of specialized materials for radiation-resistant polymers. Although traditional ethylene oxide sterilization can handle large volumes of material, it poses problems related to carcinogenic residues and contamination. Irradiation sterilization has advantages such as no waste generation, no chemical residues, and high efficiency with low energy consumption. However, most medical polymers are not resistant to irradiation; therefore, it is necessary to develop specialized polymers that can withstand irradiation. 　　Third, there is great potential for the growth of non-phthalate plasticizers and non-polyvinyl chloride materials. Traditional infusion devices often use polyvinyl chloride containing dioctyl phthalate plasticizers, which can enter the human body and accumulate there; they may even react with medications, affecting human health. In response to this, the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with Weigao, established production lines for 10,000-ton-scale specialty materials for medical thermoplastic elastomer alloys as well as for medical devices, enabling large-scale production. 　　Fourth, medical engineering plastics are accelerating their localization in China. Previously, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene used for artificial joints was banned from sale in China, and the materials used for such joints had to be imported entirely. In response to this, the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with companies such as Weihe, established a production line capable of manufacturing 20 tons per year of artificial joint components made from polyethylene with an extremely high relative molecular mass, thereby ending the long-term reliance on imports. 　　Fifth, biodegradable polyester polymers are becoming the fastest-growing sector. Materials such as polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polydioxanone, and polycaprolactone will be widely used in products like absorbable sutures and absorbable heart stents, owing to their ability to be absorbed by the human body, which has led to a sharp increase in demand for these materials. 　　Driving the “evolution” of humanoid robots: Humanoid robots represent a new frontier in future industries, and whether they can truly evolve from being unsteady and shaky to moving with confidence depends largely on the materials used. 　　“Carbon fiber composites are the key material foundation that enables humanoid robots to move from the laboratory to commercialization. ”Liu Hui, a senior engineer at the Humanoid Robot Innovation Center jointly established by the government and local authorities, pointed out. The frame of the body, the main structures of the lower limbs, the moving arms, and the sensor reference components all rely on carbon fiber composites. Specifically, high-strength carbon fibers of grade T700 or higher can be used to reduce the weight of the frame, while M40J+ high-modulus carbon fiber materials can be used for the arms to ensure millimeter-level positioning accuracy. Furthermore, polyether ether ketone holds great potential for use in the joints and reducer bushings of humanoid robots, as it is 40% lighter than aluminum alloys and possesses self-lubricating and wear-resistant properties. 　　To allow robots to enter homes and shopping malls safely, their “skin” needs to be soft and flexible. Flexible materials such as two-component elastomers and closed-cell foam materials can mimic the feel of human skin, are non-toxic and non-irritating, and can be molded into any complex surface, making them the preferred choice for \"skin\" materials.