Why is glass transparent? What holds the secret behind successful aircraft operations and long-lasting medical implants? How do we make buildings completely sustainable?
One answer, though hardly obvious, is MATERIALS. This website explores the above and many other curious questions concerned with the science behind materials, providing an enthralling and sometimes surprising read.
FSM Materials
Why Material Science?
Materials are everywhere around us, from graphite in pencil lead and plastic to concrete – the most widely-used man-made construction material. Materials are what enable humanity to live in, work in and interact with the world, and are one of the main drivers of technological innovation.
Material scientists look at materials at a more profound level. They study materials’ physical and chemical properties, their structure at different scales (such as atomic, micro- and macro- scales), ways to process them and their performance. Based on their findings, scientists improve existing materials and create new ones, better addressing the needs of humanity and the planet.
What is 'FSM' ?
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FAMILIAR
Materials have always been a critical part of our existence. At first, during the Stone Age, humans used stone, clay and other natural materials to craft tools and clothing. Then, the discovery of bronze 5000 years ago and, subsequentially, the invention of how to extract iron from its core (smelting) about 3000 years ago significantly advanced the weapons and armor of the time - these metals were stronger and more durable than their predecessors. The Industrial Revolution saw the development of cast iron and steel. I t may very well be that in 50 years from now 3D printed structures and graphene chips will be just as common as plastic bags and graphite pencils today.
SUSTAINABLE
Materials are the key to a green future. Humans can create materials with improved durability and recyclability, develop sustainable alternatives to traditional materials in various industries and reduce energy waste and pollution. For instance, perovskite can be utilized in solar cells instead of the standard silicon. Perovskite requires much lower temperatures (hence, energy and money) for processing, and, unlike silicon, it can be fabricated into thin sheets and printed directly onto different surfaces. Other inventions, including carbon-fiber, biodegradable plastic and smart glass, may make our society eco-friendlier in the upcoming years.
MARVELLOUS
Modern innovative materials may appear imaginative or even impossible, yet they have already been employed on many occasions. Self-healing concrete contains bacteria that can seal cracks when exposed to moisture and air; meanwhile, smart alloys can “remember” and take on their original shape after deformation. What is curious is that these marvelous properties are created by small alterations on a tiny scale – smaller than the eye can see. The future of material science beholds endless potential and discovery.
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