Korea Institute of Materials Science Signs Technology Transfer Agreement with Private Company on the 14th
High-performance stealth coatings used in military aircraft and naval vessels, 6th generation (6G) mobile communication technology, and epsilon iron oxide manufacturing technology, a core material for satellite communication networks, have entered the full-scale commercialization stage.
On the 14th, the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) held a technology transfer agreement ceremony for epsilon iron oxide manufacturing technology with EG Co., Ltd. (CEO Park Ji-man), the world's leading company in the high-grade iron oxide market, at the main conference room in Changwon, Gyeongnam.
The epsilon iron oxide manufacturing technology is a process technology that continuously produces materials with high coercivity (20kOe) that selectively absorb millimeter waves (50~200GHz). Unlike existing electromagnetic wave absorbing materials, which have reduced absorption capacity at high-frequency bands or difficulty controlling frequency bands, epsilon iron oxide with broadband absorption capability is significant as a core material for future communication component materials. It can be used in 5G and 6G wireless communication and low-earth orbit satellite communication components, stealth, radar sensors, and as a high-coercivity magnetic material, it can also be applied in the electronic components field of future mobility. When used in communication components, it absorbs ultra-high frequency waves to prevent interference. In the case of stealth, it absorbs external radar waves to minimize the radar cross-section (RCS). South Korea is currently developing the 4.5-generation fighter KF-21 domestically; although its external shape is designed for stealth to minimize RCS, it lacks an internal weapons bay, exposing missiles, thus it is considered a 'quasi-stealth aircraft.' Additionally, if epsilon iron oxide is used in radar sensors for autonomous vehicles and drones, it reduces noise and improves precision.
There is currently no company worldwide mass-producing and applying magnetic material technology capable of absorbing broadband ultra-high frequency millimeter waves. However, 2 to 3 companies in the US, Japan, and Germany produce absorption shielding materials for the 5G band.
With this technology transfer agreement, the commercialization of epsilon iron oxide is expected to be accelerated. Baek Yeon-kyung, a senior researcher at KIMS, said, "If millimeter wave absorbing magnetic materials can be commercialized through this technology transfer, it is expected to gain momentum to lead the markets for wireless communication devices using millimeter waves, autonomous vehicle radar, and space satellite communication absorbers in the future."
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