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]

历史的长河里，晋商写下了我国经济发展史上浓墨重彩的一笔。如今，新晋商在新时代的浪潮中破浪前行。 截至2024年年底，山西省实有民营经营主体393.2万户，占全省经营主体总量的97.6%；2024年，山西民营企业百强入围门 槛达33.28亿元，连续8年稳定增长；9家企业入围全国民营企业500强，12家企业入围全国制造业民营企业500强，入围数量创 历史新高……民营经济作为推动山西省经济社会发展的重要力量，正走向更广阔的舞台。 5月15日，在从事药用玻璃管生产的民营企业山西宏光医用玻璃股份有限公司生产车间内，自动化生产线将炽热的玻璃熔 液拉制成透明的药用玻璃管。"我们将传统的火焰炉改为电熔炉后，需新增一路备用电源。我们线上申请增容业务后，供电公 司从受理到答复仅用3个工作日。两个月后，备用线路就建设完成了。"该企业用电负责人说。 图为国网山西芮城县供电公司员工到山西宏光医用玻璃股份有限公司帮助检查用电设施，询问用电需求。杜衡/摄 营商环境是企业生存发展的土壤，电力营商环境是重要组成部分。国网山西省电力公司主动融入全省发展大局，推出服务 民营经济发展六项举措，通过建设坚强智能电网、深化数字服务、强化政企协同等措施为 ...