654877bd_erials_Science_and_Engineering__Significance
[Date] 1966 [Candidate Moment] Karl J. Strnat and coworkers discover magneto-crystalline anisotropy in rare-earth cobalt intermetallic compounds. [Significance] 
Leads to the fabrication of high-performance permanent magnets of samarium-cobalt and, later, neodymium-iron-boron for use in electronic devices and other areas.
Greatest Moments in Materials Science and Engineering
Significance