|
Materials That Can Make a Difference
Materials science is a fascinating area of research that is often at the cutting edge of science and engineering. It involves both developing new materials and improving on existing ones, and has important applications both for improving daily life and for advancing other fields of research.
A few examples of materials science at work include scientists who study semiconductors and are working on ways to improve solar cells—making them more efficient, longer-lasting, and less expensive—with the potential for providing an alternative source for electricity. In the field of bioengineering, researchers are working on biocompatible materials for many applications to treat injuries or diseases, such as improving prosthetic joints and limbs, or providing scaffold material to regenerate tissue using the body's own cells. Materials scientists have also developed composite materials for construction that conserve wood and are even stronger.
Explore materials science firsthand with topics like these:
- Testing the stiffness, strength, and other properties of materials such as wood, metal, and wire
- Analyzing and comparing different kinds of cleaning or filtering products (for instance, the most effective antibacterial solution)
- Testing the flammability of different textiles, such as fabrics or construction materials
- Investigating viscosity or lubricating properties of fluids
|
