PODCAST

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast

In this podcast, Taylor and Andrew investigate the past, present, and future of materials science and engineering. Topic areas ranging from cutting edge materials technology, the history of different materials, the commercialization of new materials, and exciting advances in processing and characterization are all covered in detail. Our episodes include things like the unlikely discovery of superglue or teflon, the fascinating backstories about modern biomaterials like dialysis filters, and updates

science chemistry

All Episodes

Episode 34: μ: Cookware

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2021/02/24

Ramsey and Andrew take a look into the surprising science that helps make cooking as easy as can be. They explain the dangers that cooking with some of these materials can create and how to avoid it. Articles Discussed: 1993 Nese O. AK, Cutting Boards of Plastic and Wood Contaminated Experimentality with Bacteria 2005 Annett Milling, Survival of bacteria on wood and plastic particles: Dependence on wood species and environmental conditions This episode is sponsored by Matmatch. Check out how they

en-US

Episode 33: Photography

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2021/02/01

The development of photography is inextricably linked to the development of advanced materials and chemicals. In this episode, Andrew and Jared discuss the science that makes photography possible. The episode includes everything from the structure of film, to digital sensors, to radioactive elements in glass. Articles Discussed: 2018 Schneider, Rare Earth Glass Leica Lenses: A Quick and Quirky Overview [LINK] 1990 Ła̧czka M, Rare earth elements as components of special glasses. Journal of the Less

en-US

00:17:42

Episode 32: μ: The Elixir of Civilization

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2021/01/16

A review of the book "Scientific Freedom: The Elixir of Civilization" by Donald Braben. Taylor and Andrew dive into the radical ideas Braben implemented in his role as Director of Venture Research at BP. They examine the principles behind Venture Research and the potential for this approach to revolutionize scientific discovery by increasing freedom and creativity. Who knows? Maybe this approach would discover this century's Einsteins, Plancks, Rutherfords and more! This episode is sponsored by

en-US

Episode 31: Ionic Conduction

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2021/01/04

Diffusion is when atoms move through a material in response to a concentration gradient. However, some ions can move through a material in response to an electric field and can do so very quickly! Even more remarkable, the motion of ions can be restricted to ions of a certain type such as O2-, H+, Na+, Li+ etc. What is required of a material in order for it to be an ionic conductor? What technologies do ionic conductors make possible? Why are they necessary for batteries, fuel cells, sensors,

en-US

00:18:15

Episode 30: μ: Engineering a Better Skateboard

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2020/12/18

Skateboards have some cutting edge polymers, ceramics, metals, & composites. Wood vs carbon-fiber composite lay-ups? Silicon nitride vs steel ball bearings? Titanium vs magnesium light-weight metal alloy trucks? High hardness vs soft & grippy urethane wheels? In this episode, we chat with Norman Woods, a professional skateboarder who helps us figure out if all the advanced materials translate to dramatically improved performance. This episode is sponsored by Matmatch. Check out how they can

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Episode 29: Superconducting Materials

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2020/12/07

Few topics have captivated the imagination of scientists like superconductivity. In this episode, we cover the history of superconductors starting with the Gentleman of Zero Kelvin himself. We discuss applications of superconductors for high-speed trains and more and even chat about the recent discovery of the first-ever room-temperature superconductor! Articles Discussed: 2007, April 1911: Onnes Begins work on Superconductivity [LINK] 22010 van Delft, The discovery of superconductivity

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Episode 28: μ: Investing in Materials Startups

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2020/11/23

Every new startup requires capital, but most venture capital groups are very cautious about investing in materials companies due to the typically long timeframe for development. In this episode we talk to a Matt Cohen, Director of Technology at Pangaea Ventures. Matt talks about why their company dares to invest primarily in materials companies. We discuss how you can launch your own startup and recommend some books to get you started. Articles Discussed: 2014 Thiel and Masters, Zero to One: Notes

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