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PODCAST

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast

Taylor Sparks and Andrew Falkowski

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

00:27:54

Episode 110: LionGlass

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2025/09/19

You may not think of glass production as a significant source of CO₂, but the stats may surprise you. Enter Penn State and their LionGlass, a phosphate-based glass that not only lowers the temperature needed for forming, but also avoids the CO₂ emissions that come from the carbonate materials used in conventional glassmaking. We sit down to discuss the recently published paper on this new glass and how its properties compare to the glass we use every day.The Materialism Podcast is sponsored by the

en-US

00:40:36

Episode 109: Operando Transmission Electron Microscopy

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2025/08/26

Seeing atomic scale interactions in real time may sound like science fiction, but operando TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) has made it science fact. Unlike traditional TEM, which looks at static samples, operando TEM enables scientists to watch materials evolve dynamically while they undergo reactions. In this episode, we sit down with Patricia Kooyman, a professor at the University of Cape Town, to explore the science behind this technique as well as her unique history with it.This episode

en-US

00:31:28

Episode 108: The History of Food Packaging

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2025/07/30

We are surrounded by processed and packaged food, but how did we get here? Inspired by "The Material Advantage " by Bernie Bulkin, Taylor and Andrew explore the topic of food packaging. From prizes offered by Napoleon to patent theft, the history of food packaging is an interesting one.Thanks to Bernie Bulkin for sending us copies of the book to read. You can find an Amazon Link to the Book [HERE] The Materialism Podcast is sponsored by the American Ceramics Society. Visit them, at this

en-US

00:52:18

Episode 107: Glass Science with Schott

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2025/07/01

Glass is all around us but you may not spend much time thinking about it's history and advancements. In this episode we sit down with Colin Schmucker and Dr. Sebastian Leukel from SCHOTT AG to discuss this common but fascinating material. From naturally occurring glass formed by lightning to stained glass windows in cathedrals, glass has been apart of human history forever. We explore some of the advancements that helped make glass more versatile for use in cookware and cell phones.This episode was

en-US

00:33:36

Episode 106: Photoluminescent Materials

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2025/06/12

From glowing plastic stars on bedroom ceilings to quirky novelty items, most of us have encountered the magic of things that shine in the dark but what’s really behind the glow? Andrew and Taylor dive into the science of photoluminescence, breaking down the physics of how it works and the materials that make it possible. Join them as they explore the two main glow-in-the-dark methods—phosphorescence and fluorescence—and reveal what makes each one shine.This episode of the Materialism Podcast is

en-US

00:34:31

Episode 105: Cooling Paints

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2025/05/22

Just because the temperature is rising doesn’t mean your electric bill has to. Introducing cooling paints: Jared and Andrew discuss how painting your house with specialized coatings can noticeably reduce the temperature. We dive into the physics behind these paints and the materials that make them possible. We explore topics ranging from common pigments to health concerns over VOCs and Nanoparticle inclusion.The Materialism Podcast is sponsored by the American Ceramics Society. Visit them, at this

en-US

01:04:24

Episode 104: The Winding Path to Materials Discovery

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2025/05/08

Few things in materials science are more interesting and rewarding than discovering new materials. In this episode, Taylor and Andrew sit down with Paul Canfield, a physicist from Ames Laboratory to discuss materials discovery—and the creative ways he writes about it. From cooking metaphors to "shaving the dice" to beat nature, they dive into the colorful word choice he uses to bring his work to life..This episode of the Materialism Podcast is sponsored by the American Ceramics Society

en-US

00:46:43

Episode 103: MatterGen

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2025/04/24

What if you could find materials with tailored properties without ever entering the lab? We sit down with Tian Xie from Microsoft to discuss their new AI tool MatterGen. We learn all about what the tool does and the tests they put it through to validate the output. We also discuss the new Azure AI Foundry where they plan to have MatterSim and MatterGen interact and support each other. This Materialism Podcast is sponsored by Materials Today, an Elsevier community dedicated to the creation and

en-US

00:36:30

Episode 102: Integrating Materials and Manufacturing...

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2025/03/21

Have you ever read a published paper and wished you had access to the raw data? The journal Integrating Materials and Manufacturing Innovation (IMMI) seeks to solve that issue. Taylor, the current Editor-in-Chief, sits down with Chuck Ward( Previously Chief of Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies at AFRL and outgoing Editor-in-Chief at IMMI) to discuss how IMMI is different from other journals. They cover the history of IMMI, the use cases of the journal, and also some exciting news about

en-US

00:49:34

Episode 101: All About Biomatter

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2025/02/26

How do we turn plants into plastics and polymers? Find out in this episode as Taylor leaves Utah and ventures to Washington to sit down with Eleftheria Roumeli, an assistant professor at the University of Washington and researcher in the field of biomatter. Learn all about how a fish tank full of "gross" bacteria can be used to create complex and surprisingly strong shapes or about how Eleftheria's research group forages around local shores for seaweed to get the necessary biological

en-US

00:33:54

Episode 100: Materials for Bikes

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2025/02/04

From antelope skin chains to full beryllium frames its safe to say bikes and the materials that make them have a fascinating history. Join us as we celebrate episode 100 and dive into the materials science behind this beloved mode of transportation. Starting at the invention of the first bike due to a massive volcanic eruption to the specialty bikes more expensive than a car. We break down the materials of the past that have been used to make bikes, such as wood, steel, aluminum, and even bamboo. As

en-US

00:53:35

Episode 99: Bulk Metallic Glasses

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2025/01/10

How does a metal become a glass? By cooling on the order of 10^6 K/s. We sit down with Jan Schroers, a professor of engineering at Yale to discuss the exciting world of bulk metallic glasses. With over 20 million different combinations these materials are incredibly versatile and have strength numbers on par with ceramics. Also their thermoplastic forming enables metals to be formed into shapes previously thought impossible. These materials truly are a game changer and are definitely worth learning

en-US

00:52:12

Episode 98: Accelerating Catalyst Research with Meta

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2024/12/11

What brings a social media company into materials science? In this episode, we talk with Larry Zitnick of Meta's Fundamental AI Research (FAIR) and Aaike van Vught from VSParticle about building OCx24, an open catalysis materials database. We discuss the challenges of creating an experimental database from scratch and how autonomous spark ablation devices made it possible. We cap things off with a discussion about how machine learning tools can leverage this database to help us discover new

en-US

00:39:33

Episode 97: Titanium

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2024/11/18

What do a Mach-3 aircraft and a hip replacement have in common? They are both made of titanium. In this episode we dive into this incredible material from its name rooted in Greek mythology to the unique variants of commercial titanium. Learn about the interesting challenges facing titanium's use in the SR-71 to the new variants being actively researched to help bring this material up to superalloy standards.This episode of the Materialism Podcast is sponsored by Cal Nano, leading experts in spark

en-US

00:47:05

Episode 96: Spark Ablation with VSParticle

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2024/10/31

At temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun (>20,000K), a revolutionary physics-based process is creating the future of nanomaterials - no chemicals required. We talk to Aaike van Vugt co-founder of VSParticle and an expert in the field of spark ablation. He walks us through the process of coating materials in nanoparticles as well as its various uses. We explore what materials are suitable for the method and their pivot into nanoporous films.The Materialism Podcast is sponsored by

en-US

00:56:27

Episode 95: You Don't Know Anything About Steel

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2024/10/09

You probably think you know a lot about steel, you couldn’t be more wrong. In this episode we sit down with Caelan Kennedy from the Steel Founders’ Society of America to discuss the intricacies of steel. From tuning properties by using different elements in the alloy to the confusing naming conventions. This episode will help expand your knowledge about a material you thought was pretty simple.The Materialism Podcast is sponsored by American Elements, a leading manufacturer and supplier of

en-US

00:48:40

Episode 94: An Introduction to Quantum Materials

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2024/09/26

Quantum isn't just a buzzword used in the movies. In this episode we are joined by Jason Khoury, Assistant Professor at Arizona State University, he helps explain the key concepts necessary to understand the basics of quantum materials. We discuss the origin of quantum behavior including interactions between charge, spin, orbit and lattice. From the serendipitous discovery of high-temperature superconductors to the theoretical predictions of exotic quantum behaviors. This conversation will provide

en-US

00:46:03

Episode 93: An Introduction to Pyrometallurgy

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2024/09/10

Pyrometallurgy is one of the oldest branches of materials science, yet it is constantly evolving. Join us as we take a broad look at the process of transforming ore into the metals we use every day. From ancient techniques for checking counterfeit coins to cutting-edge innovations like battery recycling, we cover every step of the current process and discuss where the future of pyrometallurgy is headed.The Materialism Podcast is sponsored by American Elements, a leading manufacturer and supplier of

en-US

00:39:33

Episode 92: The Quest for Pure Uranium

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2024/08/22

In this episode, we explore the story of Harley Wilhelm, an unsung hero of the Manhattan Project. Discover how the Ames Process revolutionized the production of pure uranium metal, turning a slow and inefficient task into an streamlined operation that played a critical role in ending World War Il. We'll explore the challenges faced, the science of uranium enrichment, and the surprising uses of depleted uranium. Tune in for a deep dive into one of the lesser-known but vital contributions to history's

en-US

00:40:36

Episode 91: High Entropy Alloys

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast ·

2024/07/24

A new class of material doesn't show up often. In this episode, we dive into the revolutionary discovery of high entropy alloys (HEAs) that revitalized the field of metallurgy. We dive into their simultaneous discovery at both Oxford and Tsinghua National University. Learn how they break all the typical rules we know. We explore how their composition gives them exceptional strength, hardness, thermal stability, and their superior resistance to corrosion and wear. Discover why HEAs are transforming

en-US

112 results

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