The second International Advanced Materials (Tianjin) Summit provides an efficient platform for the business community, government officials and investment institutions to exchange opinions and information. [China Daily]

The second International Advanced Materials Summit, which began in Tianjin yesterday and ends today, has attracted more than 300 participants from home and abroad.

The premium event provides an efficient platform for the business community, government officials and investment institutions to exchange opinions and information, said Yang Dongliang, vice-mayor of the host city.

Three special technological sections regarding autos, aviation and aerospace, and water resources were held in the afternoon, in a bid to explore the forefront of technological advancements.

Chemical materials have a bright future, Shi Changxu, academician of both the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said at the meeting yesterday.

Due to a worsening environment and heavy consumption of energy and resources, new eco-friendly materials are requested for a sustainable economy, he said.

In particular, he predicted that carbon fiber reinforced (CFR) composite materials, which are widely used in making planes, will have a brisk growth in China.

Since the earthquake in Sichuan in May, China will invest more in producing helicopters, which will result in a higher demand for CFR composite materials, Shi said.

Advanced materials also play an active role in promoting the use of clean energy, he noted, adding that the key to photovoltaic solar energy technology lies in extracting silicon, a key element for semi-conductor chips.

Development of the west China region should start from development of renewable energy, he said. The region has ample sunshine, vast land and a lower population density, so it is an ideal place to build photovoltaic power stations.

With hydrogen-making through electrolysis of water by use of solar power, China will meet its quota of hydrogen energy, Shi predicted.

Then development of materials for hydrogen storage and transportation will be on the agenda, he said.

Experts in the material industry should get themselves deeply involved in research on renewable energy, Shi proposed.

(China Daily October 31, 2008)