Critical materials cut-offs feared

Journal Article · Sun Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · High Technol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5697524

Szuprowicz, B

US high technology depends on imported materials, many from the Soviet Union, South Africa, and other areas which could restrict the flow of strategic materials to the US. A combination of nationalizaton moves, continued poverty, and rising expectations in the Third World countries has changed market conditions and could lead to a materials cartel. The Soviet Union succeeded in slowing Chinese development, for example, by reducing exports in the 1960s. Comparisons of US import dependence with that of the Soviet Union show the US a significant disadvantage. Another comparison identifies the major uses of high-technology materials. Corrective measures to this vulnerability include assessing the opportunity for substitutions and developing a vulnerability index for each material that weighs import dependence against a range of critical factors. Other steps include stockpiling, recycling, conservation, and research into new alloys and new designs. 3 figures, 2 tables. (DCK)

• Research Organization: 21st Century Research, North Bergen, NJ
• OSTI ID: 5697524
• Journal Information: High Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: High Technol.; (United States) Vol. 1:2; ISSN HTECD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290400* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Energy Resources
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360100 -- Metals & Alloys
CARTELS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
MATERIALS
SUPPLY DISRUPTION
VULNERABILITY