Introductory lecture: materials aspects of the supply and use of energy

Materials technology has a vital role to play in changes and improvements which are needed in the energy scene. For example, high-temperature corrosion-resistant materials will enable more efficient aircraft engines to be made. Understanding and combatting corrosion will continue to be important in the treatment and disposal of radioactive waste associated with the use of nuclear power. Many renewable energy sources, often particularly attractive in poor countries, will be economic only if the devices collecting or converting the sunlight, wind power, or other forms of raw energy are able to use materials very effectively and economically and in ways which ensure that the costs of operating and maintaining the devices are not too high. (author)