Core Viewpoint - The article explores the evolution of materials throughout human history, highlighting their significance in shaping civilization and technological advancements. Group 1: Ancient and Early Materials - The discovery of tools made from volcanic rock by early humans marks the beginning of material use in civilization [3] - Flint was used as a tool for cutting and creating fire, showcasing early human ingenuity in material manipulation [6] - The invention of pottery allowed for food storage and contributed to the development of early urban civilizations [7] - Jade, particularly in ancient cultures, symbolized power and status, reflecting the societal hierarchy based on material rarity and craftsmanship [8][9] Group 2: Industrial Revolution - The Bessemer process revolutionized steel production, significantly reducing the time required to produce steel and increasing its availability for infrastructure [12] - The invention of celluloid provided a sustainable alternative to ivory for billiard balls, leading to broader applications in film and photography [13] Group 3: Electrical and Information Revolution - The development of tungsten filaments in light bulbs greatly improved their longevity and efficiency, making electric lighting accessible to households [16] - The invention of silicon chips laid the foundation for modern computing, enabling the integration of billions of transistors on a single chip [17] - Optical fibers transformed communication by allowing high-speed data transmission over long distances, significantly enhancing global connectivity [18][19] Group 4: AI and Future Materials - Graphene, discovered in 2004, exhibits extraordinary strength and conductivity, paving the way for innovations in electronics and energy storage [25] - Shape memory alloys, such as nickel-titanium, have applications in medical devices and robotics due to their ability to return to a predetermined shape [26] - AI-driven material design is revolutionizing the development of new materials, enabling rapid identification of high-performance candidates for various applications [27][28] Group 5: Speculative Future Materials - Bio-steel, derived from genetically modified organisms, promises lightweight and strong materials for protective gear [32] - Time crystals, which maintain a stable oscillation state, could lead to advancements in precision timekeeping and quantum computing [34] - Dark matter composites may enable anti-gravity technologies, revolutionizing transportation and space exploration [35] Group 6: Conclusion - The article emphasizes the continuous evolution of materials as a reflection of human creativity and technological progress, suggesting that future innovations will further transform society [46]

Core Insights - The global power semiconductor wafer market is projected to grow significantly, particularly the silicon carbide (SiC) wafer market, which is expected to expand from 143.6 billion yen in 2024 to 619.5 billion yen by 2035, representing an increase of approximately 4.3 times [1] Group 1: SiC Wafer Market - In 2024, the demand for SiC power semiconductors is expected to slow down, but sales volume is projected to increase by 81.9% year-on-year, primarily driven by Chinese wafer manufacturers [1] - The price of 6-inch wafers has decreased due to the influx of cheaper products, with a value increase of only 46.1% compared to the previous year [1] - Sales volume and revenue for 2025 are anticipated to grow by about 20% year-on-year, although the growth rate in revenue may not match that of sales volume due to declining unit prices [1] Group 2: Market Size and Trends - The 6-inch wafer currently accounts for over 90% of sales and is expected to remain the mainstream product, while the demand for 4-inch wafers is declining [2] - The 8-inch wafer market is expected to see significant growth starting in 2026, particularly in countries like China [2] Group 3: Emerging Semiconductor Technologies - The diamond wafer market is projected to take off starting in 2026, with the commercialization of 2-inch wafers expected to accelerate growth, reaching a market size of 4.6 billion yen by 2035 [3] - Aluminum nitride wafers have begun shipping 4-inch samples, with expectations for full-scale production in the future [3] - The germanium wafer is planned for development as a 6-inch epitaxial wafer, with sales expected to begin around 2030 [3] - The silicon wafer market is expected to stabilize from 2025 onwards after a decline in 2024, with growth anticipated for GaN and gallium oxide wafers as 6-inch wafers become more practical [3]

Group 1 - The private economy in Shanxi Province is a significant force driving economic and social development, with 3.932 million private business entities accounting for 97.6% of the total business entities in the province by the end of 2024 [1] - The threshold for entering the top 100 private enterprises in Shanxi reached 3.328 billion yuan, marking eight consecutive years of stable growth [1] - Shanxi has nine companies listed among the top 500 private enterprises in the country and twelve in the top 500 private manufacturing enterprises, achieving a historical high in the number of entries [1] Group 2 - The State Grid Shanxi Electric Power Company has introduced six measures to support the development of the private economy, including building a robust smart grid and enhancing digital services [3] - The company has improved power supply service levels, conducting special service meetings for key projects and achieving record connection speeds for projects like the 56GW integrated base project by JinkoSolar [3][4] - Shanxi's cross-province power service has facilitated projects like the photovoltaic project in Jiaozuo, with the company handling five cross-province power business transactions [3] Group 3 - Companies in Shanxi are increasingly demanding high-quality electricity, with specific measures implemented to ensure stable power supply, such as dedicated customer managers and flexible service teams [5] - The State Grid Shanxi Electric Power Company has helped reduce electricity costs for private enterprises, saving approximately 61.4 million yuan for 30,200 low-voltage private enterprise customers in the first quarter [5][6] - The company has also promoted financing services through platforms like "Electric e-Finance," easing the financial burden on private enterprises [8] Group 4 - Shanxi's market-oriented electricity reform has opened new avenues for local private enterprises, with companies like Shanxi Wind Control Technology Co., Ltd. participating in both long-term and spot electricity trading [6] - The virtual power plant model has allowed the company to aggregate resources and generate revenue, achieving a scale of 1.3455 million kilowatts and earning 2.01 million yuan since entering the market [6] - The State Grid Shanxi Electric Power Company has enhanced the efficiency of market entry for private enterprises through digital and intelligent methods [6] Group 5 - The State Grid Shanxi Electric Power Company has facilitated over 40 bidding procurement batches in 2024, attracting more than 4,000 bidding private enterprises and releasing a total of 110 million yuan in bid guarantee amounts [8] - The company has implemented a bidding guarantee insurance system, significantly reducing the financial pressure on private enterprises [8] - The innovative power supply services are contributing to the high-quality development of private enterprises in Shanxi, marking a new chapter in the story of Shanxi merchants [8]