- SHI and KIMS have agreed to collaborate on the development of materials for Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) and ultra-low temperature applications. 

- SHI and KIMS aim to lead the application of eco-friendly and innovative materials and technologies to future products.

Samsung Heavy (SHI) and the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) announced on the 6th that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on developing material technology for nuclear energy and ultra-low temperature applications. 

Based on the agreement, SHI and KIMS aim to establish a cooperation system to share technologies, foster growth of the domestic industry through research and development of materials and application technologies, and enter a foreign market.

SHI and KIMS will focus on developing △material and manufacturing technology for Molten Salt Reactor (MSR)⑴, △material and application technology for ultra-low temperature condition, and △Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)⑵ technology. They made an agreement to cooperate on sharing facilities and equipment as well as planning and participating in new development projects.

1) Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) : A next-generation energy source that can generate electricity using fission energy with high efficiency and without additional carbon dioxide emissions. 

2) WAAM (Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing) : Metal 3D printing technology that welds wire-shaped metal materials using electric flames to create 3D structures. 

To utilize eco-friendly energy sources such as MSR or hydrogen for vessels, technology for transportation and storage of such materials needs to be developed as well. In addition, this partnership has great significance because it is essential to secure application technologies for MSR or hydrogen such as corrosion prevention material technology and ultra-low temperature application technology. 

“By combining SHI`s technology commercialization experience and KIMS` origianl technology, we will develop world-leading environmental and innovative materials and application technologies for the shipbuilding and offshore industry,” said Sung-an Choi, CEO of Samsung Heavy (SHI).

“KIMS will provide utmost support to ensure that Korean material technology is recognized in overseas markets through its cooperation with SHI, the global shipbuilding and offshore company,” said Chul-jin Choi, President of the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS).