A view of Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology (KICET) headquarters in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do. (Photos: KICET)

KICET President Yoo Kwang-soo.

Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology (KICET) is making all-out efforts to build a new center for the ceramic industry and ceramic fiber composite infrastructure to boost the economy of Gyeongsangnam-do.

Ceramic fibers refer to filamentous ceramics, produced through spinning and heating of ceramic precursors and ceramic power materials. They are in wide use with such properties as smoke tolerance, insulation and stability.

Silicon carbide (SiC) fiber that can be used in extreme conditions like 1,000 degrees are employed for use in brake pads for sports cars and aerospace parts. But SiC fiber, designated by a strategic material, cannot be imported. Application of ceramic fibers to such industries as aerospace, automobile, maritime, and machinery will have synergetic effects for regional industries.

It was in 2012 that KICET launched a project to utilize ceramic fiber composites. The research institution is implementing the project in connection with the establishment of an innovative cluster at the innovative city of Jinju.

The first phase of the project was completed by the Ceramic Fiber Commercialization Center, which made its debut in 2016.

The center built advanced process and evaluation equipment in four ceramic fiber sectors. KICET, which has developed ceramic fiber and composite mass production and analysis, as well as evaluation technologies, is offering support to companies.

The institution has so far built 72 kinds of equipment, provided 99 cases of fixing technology problems and 159 cases of corporate consulting. KICET posted about 1.7 billion won in sales by attracting six related companies into KICET headquarters.

The second phase of the project is an extension of the first phase. It involves a process of producing ceramic fiber composites to be used for aerospace flights, automobiles and other transportation means. It will cost a combined 29 billion won by 2022. A three-story structure will be built on a lot beside the KICET headquarters.

The third phase will be pushed after the completion of the second. It calls for building a cluster complex by attracting companies utilizing ceramic fiber composites.

Gyeongsangnam-do has a concentration of aerospace companies, including Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), and a cluster of about 1,000 companies in high-tech industries such as precision machinery, nano, automobiles and environment, so demand and expected effects on the industrialization of advanced ceramics are greater, a KICET official said.

Goal of Making Korea One of the Top Four Global Ceramic Powerhouses
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) aims to nurture “top 10” global premier products and “top 20” global leaders specializing in advanced ceramic products with the goal of making Korea one of the top four global ceramic powerhouses.