Dr. Sophonpanich of Thailand’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) Visits NIMS
(Oct. 7, 2009) A Thai delegation of 20 persons headed by the country’s Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich, visited NIMS.
Dr. Sophonpanich (left) at High Temperature Materials Center
Dr. Sophonpanich showed keen interest in NIMS’ efforts on materials research and its many achievements since becoming an Independent Administrative Institution (IAI), asking how NIMS made such remarkable progress at the meeting with Prof. Sukekatsu Ushioda, President of NIMS, and Senior Advisor Masaki Kitagawa.
Dr. Sophonpanich toured the High Temperature Materials Center, which is engaged in the development of ultra-heat resistant alloys such as single crystal alloys for turbine blades in gas turbines for electric power generation and jet engines for aircraft. NIMS is a world leader in the development of these high temperature materials, which are making an important contribution to CO2 reduction and improved fuel consumption. Dr. Sophonpanich congratulated the Center on hearing that the NIMS single crystal material, which is the result of joint research with Rolls-Royce, is scheduled for use in jet engines, and also asked with great interest what other foreign countries are developing single crystal alloys.
