Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast
156 episodes - English - Latest episode: 20 days ago - ★★★★★ - 46 ratingsIn 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 on new technologies including wearable electronics, next generation batteries, and nanomaterials. In short, we hope to help listeners understand the critical role that materials have played in society and even glimpse into what the future may hold for new materials.
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Episodes
Episode 14: Self-Healing Rubber
February 03, 2020 11:30 - 35 minutes - 48.3 MBWhat if materials could heal like we do? In this episode, we dive in to the science behind self-healing polymer materials, explore different approaches to polymers design, and peer into what the future may hold. Whether you are interested in soft-robotics, re-useable textiles, or just curious how a material could repair itself - this is the episode for you! Articles Discussed: 2008 Ecole Supérieure de Physique et Chimie Industrielles [LINK] 2012 Chen and coworkers UC Irvine [LINK] 2013 R...
S1E14 - Self-Healing Rubber
February 03, 2020 11:30 - 35 minutes - 48.3 MBA look at an exciting new take on a widely used material, the science behind it, and potential future applications. Articles Discussed: 2008 Ecole Supérieure de Physique et Chimie Industrielles https://www.nature.com/articles/nature06669 2012 Chen and coworkers UC Irvine https://www.nature.com/articles/nchem.1314 2013 Rahman and coworkers University of Brescia and Polytechnic of Milan https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/am303015e 2015 Das and coworkers Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschun...
E14 Self-Healing Rubber
February 03, 2020 11:30 - 35 minutes - 48.3 MBA look at an exciting new take on a widely used material, the science behind it, and potential future applications. Articles Discussed: 2008 Ecole Supérieure de Physique et Chimie Industrielles https://www.nature.com/articles/nature06669 2012 Chen and coworkers UC Irvine https://www.nature.com/articles/nchem.1314 2013 Rahman and coworkers University of Brescia and Polytechnic of Milan https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/am303015e 2015 Das and coworkers Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschun...
Episode 13. The Science of Blacksmithing
January 06, 2020 19:57 - 1 hour - 109 MBHave you ever watched a blacksmith work an old railroad tie into an elaborate metal trinket and wonder "How do they do that?" or "Why are doing it that way" or "What is the purpose of that step?" In this episode, we dive into the science behind those exact questions. We talk about metal deformation, heat treatments, fracture, different steel types, and wrap up the episode interviewing Alexander Wickstrom an undergraduate in the Materials Science & Engineering Department at the University of ...
S1E13 - The Science of Blacksmithing
January 06, 2020 19:57 - 1 hour - 109 MBHave you ever watched a blacksmith work an old railroad tie into an elaborate metal trinket and wonder "How do they do that?" or "Why are doing it that way" or "What is the purpose of that step?" In this episode, we dive into the science behind those exact questions. We talk about metal deformation, heat treatments, fracture, different steel types, and wrap up the episode interviewing Alexander Wickstrom an undergraduate in the Materials Science & Engineering Department at the University of ...
Episode 13: The Science of Blacksmithing
January 06, 2020 19:57 - 1 hour - 109 MBHave you ever watched a blacksmith work an old railroad tie into an elaborate metal trinket and wonder "How do they do that?" or "Why are doing it that way" or "What is the purpose of that step?" In this episode, we dive into the science behind those exact questions. We talk about metal deformation, heat treatments, fracture, different steel types, and wrap up the episode interviewing Alexander Wickstrom an undergraduate in the Materials Science & Engineering Department at the University of ...
E13 The Science of Blacksmithing
January 06, 2020 19:57 - 1 hour - 109 MBHave you ever watched a blacksmith work an old railroad tie into an elaborate metal trinket and wonder "How do they do that?" or "Why are doing it that way" or "What is the purpose of that step?" In this episode, we dive into the science behind those exact questions. We talk about metal deformation, heat treatments, fracture, different steel types, and wrap up the episode interviewing Alexander Wickstrom an undergraduate in the Materials Science & Engineering Department at the University of ...
S1E12 - Recycling and the Science of Separation
December 02, 2019 09:00 - 52 minutes - 71.6 MBEpisode Notes About half of the solid wastes produced each year end up in a landfill. A quarter gets recycled, 10% is composted, and the rest is burned. Why isn't more being recycled? Is this trend going to change? What will be the impact of China's new policy regarding impurities? This episode dives into recycling and we interview Dr. James Nagel of EDX Magnetics, a company with an innovative new tool for separating metals that could transform the recycling landscape. Links: http://www.e...
Episode 12: Recycling and the Science of Separation
December 02, 2019 09:00 - 52 minutes - 71.6 MBAbout half of the solid wastes produced each year end up in a landfill. A quarter gets recycled, 10% is composted, and the rest is burned. Why isn't more being recycled? Is this trend going to change? What will be the impact of China's new policy regarding impurities? This episode dives into recycling and we interview Dr. James Nagel of EDX Magnetics, a company with an innovative new tool for separating metals that could transform the recycling landscape. References For Further Reading: ED...
Episode 12. Recycling and the Science of Separation
December 02, 2019 09:00 - 52 minutes - 71.6 MBEpisode Notes About half of the solid wastes produced each year end up in a landfill. A quarter gets recycled, 10% is composted, and the rest is burned. Why isn't more being recycled? Is this trend going to change? What will be the impact of China's new policy regarding impurities? This episode dives into recycling and we interview Dr. James Nagel of EDX Magnetics, a company with an innovative new tool for separating metals that could transform the recycling landscape. Links: http://www.e...
E12 Recycling and the Science of Separation
December 02, 2019 09:00 - 52 minutes - 71.6 MBEpisode Notes About half of the solid wastes produced each year end up in a landfill. A quarter gets recycled, 10% is composted, and the rest is burned. Why isn't more being recycled? Is this trend going to change? What will be the impact of China's new policy regarding impurities? This episode dives into recycling and we interview Dr. James Nagel of EDX Magnetics, a company with an innovative new tool for separating metals that could transform the recycling landscape. Links: http://www.e...
Episode 11. The Ultimate Construction Material
November 04, 2019 09:00 - 52 minutes - 72.1 MBA great empire demands an equally great building material. In this episode, we cover the development and implementation of concrete throughout human history. We are joined by Marie Jackson, a research associate professor of geology and geophysics at the University of Utah, and an expert on Roman concrete. She explains how Romans were able to develop concrete and why Roman concrete is able to endure for thousands of years. Finally, we cover some new and exciting concrete technologies that are...
Episode 11: The Ultimate Construction Material
November 04, 2019 09:00 - 52 minutes - 72.1 MBA great empire demands an equally great building material. In this episode, we cover the development and implementation of cement and concrete throughout human history. We are joined by Marie Jackson, a research associate professor of geology and geophysics at the University of Utah, and an expert on Roman concrete. She explains how Romans were able to develop concrete and why Roman concrete is able to endure for thousands of years. Finally, we cover some new and exciting concrete technologi...
E11 The Ultimate Construction Material
November 04, 2019 09:00 - 52 minutes - 72.1 MBA great empire demands an equally great building material. In this episode, we cover the development and implementation of concrete throughout human history. We are joined by Marie Jackson, a research associate professor of geology and geophysics at the University of Utah, and an expert on Roman concrete. She explains how Romans were able to develop concrete and why Roman concrete is able to endure for thousands of years. Finally, we cover some new and exciting concrete technologies that are...
S1E11 - The Ultimate Construction Material
November 04, 2019 09:00 - 52 minutes - 72.1 MBA great empire demands an equally great building material. In this episode, we cover the development and implementation of concrete throughout human history. We are joined by Marie Jackson, a research associate professor of geology and geophysics at the University of Utah, and an expert on Roman concrete. She explains how Romans were able to develop concrete and why Roman concrete is able to endure for thousands of years. Finally, we cover some new and exciting concrete technologies that are...
S1E10 - Seeing With Electrons
October 07, 2019 16:28 - 48 minutes - 67.1 MBEpisode Notes The optical microscope was discovered in the 17th century and ever since has been a staple of scientific discovery. It uncovered germs and let humanity investigate the microscopic world. However, optical microscopes face a limit to their resolution since they rely on visible light. If materials scientists were going to ever probe atoms, grains, domains, and other features smaller than a few hundred nanometers, it would be necessary to fundamentally change the way we see matter...
E10 Seeing With Electrons
October 07, 2019 16:28 - 48 minutes - 67.1 MBEpisode Notes The optical microscope was discovered in the 17th century and ever since has been a staple of scientific discovery. It uncovered germs and let humanity investigate the microscopic world. However, optical microscopes face a limit to their resolution since they rely on visible light. If materials scientists were going to ever probe atoms, grains, domains, and other features smaller than a few hundred nanometers, it would be necessary to fundamentally change the way we see matter...
Episode 10: Seeing With Electrons
October 07, 2019 16:28 - 48 minutes - 67.1 MBThe optical microscope was discovered in the 17th century and ever since has been a staple of scientific discovery. It uncovered germs and let humanity investigate the microscopic world. However, optical microscopes face a limit to their resolution since they rely on visible light. If materials scientists were going to ever probe atoms, grains, domains, and other features smaller than a few hundred nanometers, it would be necessary to fundamentally change the way we see matter. In this episo...
Episode 10. Seeing With Electrons
October 07, 2019 16:28 - 48 minutes - 67.1 MBEpisode Notes The optical microscope was discovered in the 17th century and ever since has been a staple of scientific discovery. It uncovered germs and let humanity investigate the microscopic world. However, optical microscopes face a limit to their resolution since they rely on visible light. If materials scientists were going to ever probe atoms, grains, domains, and other features smaller than a few hundred nanometers, it would be necessary to fundamentally change the way we see matter...
Episode 9. Materials That Remember
September 02, 2019 09:00 - 37 minutes - 52 MBEpisode Notes Imagine stepping on your favorite glasses and bending the frame horribly out of shape. Now imagine immersing these glasses in boiling water and seeing them snap back into their original shape with no evidence of ever being deformed. Shape memory alloys are as close to real-life science fiction materials as it gets! In this episode, we dive into what the materials are, their discovery, how they work, and lots of cool applications. If you are interested in reading more check ...
Episode 9: Materials That Remember
September 02, 2019 09:00 - 37 minutes - 52 MBImagine stepping on your favorite glasses and bending the frame horribly out of shape. Now imagine immersing these glasses in boiling water and seeing them snap back into their original shape with no evidence of ever being deformed. Shape memory alloys are as close to real-life science fiction materials as it gets! In this episode, we dive into what the materials are, their discovery, how they work, and lots of cool applications. Referenced Articles: Shape memory alloys: a state of art r...
E9 Materials That Remember
September 02, 2019 09:00 - 37 minutes - 52 MBEpisode Notes Imagine stepping on your favorite glasses and bending the frame horribly out of shape. Now imagine immersing these glasses in boiling water and seeing them snap back into their original shape with no evidence of ever being deformed. Shape memory alloys are as close to real-life science fiction materials as it gets! In this episode, we dive into what the materials are, their discovery, how they work, and lots of cool applications. If you are interested in reading more check ...
S1E9 - Materials That Remember
September 02, 2019 09:00 - 37 minutes - 52 MBEpisode Notes Imagine stepping on your favorite glasses and bending the frame horribly out of shape. Now imagine immersing these glasses in boiling water and seeing them snap back into their original shape with no evidence of ever being deformed. Shape memory alloys are as close to real-life science fiction materials as it gets! In this episode, we dive into what the materials are, their discovery, how they work, and lots of cool applications. If you are interested in reading more check ...
Episode 8. Yes, Chocolate is a Material
August 05, 2019 14:21 - 41 minutes - 57.5 MBEpisode Notes We all think of metals, ceramics, polymers, electronic materials, composites and so forth as materials. But what else? Is chocolate an engineering material? In this episode we dive into this amazing substance and describe the critical processing steps that makes it a unique including regional differences in cocoa, chocolate tempering and more. Along the way we'll cover the fundamental materials science topic of crystallization and solidification. If you want to learn more abo...
Episode 8: Yes, Chocolate is a Material
August 05, 2019 14:21 - 41 minutes - 57.5 MBDid you know that chocolate has a crystal structure? We all think of metals, ceramics, polymers, electronic materials, composites and so forth as materials. But what else? Is chocolate an engineering material? In this episode we dive into this amazing substance and describe the critical processing steps that makes it a unique including regional differences in cocoa, chocolate tempering and more. Along the way we'll cover the fundamental materials science topic of crystallization and solidifi...
S1E8 - Yes, Chocolate is a Material
August 05, 2019 14:21 - 41 minutes - 57.5 MBEpisode Notes We all think of metals, ceramics, polymers, electronic materials, composites and so forth as materials. But what else? Is chocolate an engineering material? In this episode we dive into this amazing substance and describe the critical processing steps that makes it a unique including regional differences in cocoa, chocolate tempering and more. Along the way we'll cover the fundamental materials science topic of crystallization and solidification. If you want to learn more abo...
E8 Yes, Chocolate is a Material
August 05, 2019 14:21 - 41 minutes - 57.5 MBEpisode Notes We all think of metals, ceramics, polymers, electronic materials, composites and so forth as materials. But what else? Is chocolate an engineering material? In this episode we dive into this amazing substance and describe the critical processing steps that makes it a unique including regional differences in cocoa, chocolate tempering and more. Along the way we'll cover the fundamental materials science topic of crystallization and solidification. If you want to learn more abo...
S1E7 - Gore-Tex: Structuring a Company like a Material
July 02, 2019 01:51 - 30 minutes - 42.2 MBEpisode Notes: Can you structure a company like a material? In this episode we cover the fascinating discovery of Gore-Tex, and the equally fascinating company that created it. First, we delve in the materials science that allows Gore-Tex to repel water, while remaining breathable. We then, discuss the unique, non-hierarchical structure of W.L. Gore and Associates that has allowed them to continuously innovate over the past 60 years. If you want to learn even more about the topics we cov...
Episode 7. Gore-Tex: Structuring a Company like a Material
July 02, 2019 01:51 - 30 minutes - 42.2 MBEpisode Notes: Can you structure a company like a material? In this episode we cover the fascinating discovery of Gore-Tex, and the equally fascinating company that created it. First, we delve in the materials science that allows Gore-Tex to repel water, while remaining breathable. We then, discuss the unique, non-hierarchical structure of W.L. Gore and Associates that has allowed them to continuously innovate over the past 60 years. If you want to learn even more about the topics we cov...
Episode 7: Gore-Tex: Structuring a Company like a Material
July 02, 2019 01:51 - 30 minutes - 42.2 MBCan you structure a company like a material? In this episode we cover the fascinating discovery of Gore-Tex, and the equally fascinating company that created it. First, we delve in the materials science that allows Gore-Tex to repel water, while remaining breathable. We then, discuss the unique, non-hierarchical structure of W.L. Gore and Associates that has allowed them to continuously innovate over the past 60 years. Referenced Articles: Innovation Democracy: W.L. Gore's Original Managem...
E7 Gore-Tex: Structuring a Company like a Material
July 02, 2019 01:51 - 30 minutes - 42.2 MBEpisode Notes: Can you structure a company like a material? In this episode we cover the fascinating discovery of Gore-Tex, and the equally fascinating company that created it. First, we delve in the materials science that allows Gore-Tex to repel water, while remaining breathable. We then, discuss the unique, non-hierarchical structure of W.L. Gore and Associates that has allowed them to continuously innovate over the past 60 years. If you want to learn even more about the topics we cov...
Episode 6. Hemodialysis and the Birth of Artificial Organs
June 03, 2019 16:52 - 41 minutes - 56.9 MBShow NOTES In this episode we talk about the birth of artificial organs as we describe the history of hemodialysis which is critical for treating chronic kidney disease. We introduce materials science fundamentals associated with mass transport across semi-permeable membranes such as Ficks First Law. We then tell the story of Willem Kolff and others who pioneered the invention of hemodialysis and describe the role that materials played in that process then as well as now. To learn even mo...
Episode 6: Hemodialysis and the Birth of Artificial Organs
June 03, 2019 16:52 - 41 minutes - 56.9 MBWhat role do materials play in artificial organs? Are there materials that body simply won't accept? In this episode we talk about the birth of artificial organs as we describe the history of hemodialysis which is critical for treating chronic kidney disease. We introduce materials science fundamentals associated with mass transport across semi-permeable membranes such as Ficks First Law. We then tell the story of Willem Kolff and others who pioneered the invention of hemodialysis and descri...
E6 Hemodialysis and the Birth of Artificial Organs
June 03, 2019 16:52 - 41 minutes - 56.9 MBShow NOTES In this episode we talk about the birth of artificial organs as we describe the history of hemodialysis which is critical for treating chronic kidney disease. We introduce materials science fundamentals associated with mass transport across semi-permeable membranes such as Ficks First Law. We then tell the story of Willem Kolff and others who pioneered the invention of hemodialysis and describe the role that materials played in that process then as well as now. To learn even mo...
S1E6 - Hemodialysis and the Birth of Artificial Organs
June 03, 2019 16:52 - 41 minutes - 56.9 MBShow NOTES In this episode we talk about the birth of artificial organs as we describe the history of hemodialysis which is critical for treating chronic kidney disease. We introduce materials science fundamentals associated with mass transport across semi-permeable membranes such as Ficks First Law. We then tell the story of Willem Kolff and others who pioneered the invention of hemodialysis and describe the role that materials played in that process then as well as now. To learn even mo...
S1E5 - Solving Structures with X-Rays
May 06, 2019 14:02 - 1 hour - 92.9 MBEpisode Notes In this episode we cover the history and development of crystallography, the study of the structures that make up the materials around us. The history of this field is filled with accidental discoveries, ingenious inventions, and drama between those who study it. One of the most important discoveries to come out of this field is x-ray diffraction. This important characterization technique allowed scientists to delve deeper into crystal structures than ever before. We discus...
E5 Solving Structures with X-Rays
May 06, 2019 14:02 - 1 hour - 92.9 MBEpisode Notes In this episode we cover the history and development of crystallography, the study of the structures that make up the materials around us. The history of this field is filled with accidental discoveries, ingenious inventions, and drama between those who study it. One of the most important discoveries to come out of this field is x-ray diffraction. This important characterization technique allowed scientists to delve deeper into crystal structures than ever before. We discus...
Episode 5: Solving Structures with X-Rays
May 06, 2019 14:02 - 1 hour - 92.9 MBIn this episode we cover the history and development of crystallography, the study of the structures that make up the materials around us. The history of this field is filled with accidental discoveries, ingenious inventions, and drama between those who study it. One of the most important discoveries to come out of this field is x-ray diffraction. This important characterization technique allowed scientists to delve deeper into crystal structures than ever before. We discuss new advances in ...
Episode 5. Solving Structures with X-Rays
May 06, 2019 14:02 - 1 hour - 92.9 MBEpisode Notes In this episode we cover the history and development of crystallography, the study of the structures that make up the materials around us. The history of this field is filled with accidental discoveries, ingenious inventions, and drama between those who study it. One of the most important discoveries to come out of this field is x-ray diffraction. This important characterization technique allowed scientists to delve deeper into crystal structures than ever before. We discus...
E4 Turning Heat into Electricity
March 31, 2019 22:00 - 57 minutes - 79.6 MBIn this episode we talk about thermoelectrics which, as the name suggests, are materials that can convert heat into electricity or vice versa. Since their inception almost 200 years ago there have been major advances in thermoelectric efficiency and they have found their way into some amazing applications such as NASA’s deep space probes or the Mars rover Curiosity. For the latter half of the 20th century, thermoelectric materials research was relatively stagnant with little improvement in...
Episode 4: Turning Heat into Electricity
March 31, 2019 22:00 - 57 minutes - 79.6 MBIn this episode we talk about thermoelectrics, which are materials that can convert heat into electricity or vice versa. Since their inception almost 200 years ago there have been major advances in thermoelectric efficiency and they have found their way into some amazing applications such as NASA’s deep space probes or the Mars rover Curiosity. For the latter half of the 20th century, thermoelectric materials research was relatively stagnant with little improvement in materials. However, in...
Episode 4. Turning Heat into Electricity
March 31, 2019 22:00 - 57 minutes - 79.6 MBIn this episode we talk about thermoelectrics which, as the name suggests, are materials that can convert heat into electricity or vice versa. Since their inception almost 200 years ago there have been major advances in thermoelectric efficiency and they have found their way into some amazing applications such as NASA’s deep space probes or the Mars rover Curiosity. For the latter half of the 20th century, thermoelectric materials research was relatively stagnant with little improvement in...
S1E4 - Turning Heat into Electricity
March 31, 2019 22:00 - 57 minutes - 79.6 MBIn this episode we talk about thermoelectrics which, as the name suggests, are materials that can convert heat into electricity or vice versa. Since their inception almost 200 years ago there have been major advances in thermoelectric efficiency and they have found their way into some amazing applications such as NASA’s deep space probes or the Mars rover Curiosity. For the latter half of the 20th century, thermoelectric materials research was relatively stagnant with little improvement in...
Episode 3: Making Materials in a Microwave
March 04, 2019 16:40 - 41 minutes - 57.6 MBIn this episode we learn about an unexpected approach to processing materials: the common kitchen microwave. While most people only think about the microwave when it’s time to reheat some leftovers, there has been a surprising scientific interest from materials researchers in the last few decades. In fact, microwave processing can achieve pretty remarkable feats such as extremely rapid sintering and heat treatment of materials as well as providing a means for microstructural control in alloy...
S1E3 - Making Materials in a Microwave
March 04, 2019 16:40 - 41 minutes - 57.6 MBEpisode Notes In this episode we learn about an unexpected approach to processing materials: the common kitchen microwave. While most people only think about the microwave when it’s time to reheat some leftovers, there has been a surprising scientific interest from materials researchers in the last few decades. In fact, microwave processing can achieve pretty remarkable feats such as extremely rapid sintering and heat treatment of materials as well as providing a means for microstructural c...
E3 Making Materials in a Microwave
March 04, 2019 16:40 - 41 minutes - 57.6 MBEpisode Notes In this episode we learn about an unexpected approach to processing materials: the common kitchen microwave. While most people only think about the microwave when it’s time to reheat some leftovers, there has been a surprising scientific interest from materials researchers in the last few decades. In fact, microwave processing can achieve pretty remarkable feats such as extremely rapid sintering and heat treatment of materials as well as providing a means for microstructural c...
Episode 3. Making Materials in a Microwave
March 04, 2019 16:40 - 41 minutes - 57.6 MBEpisode Notes In this episode we learn about an unexpected approach to processing materials: the common kitchen microwave. While most people only think about the microwave when it’s time to reheat some leftovers, there has been a surprising scientific interest from materials researchers in the last few decades. In fact, microwave processing can achieve pretty remarkable feats such as extremely rapid sintering and heat treatment of materials as well as providing a means for microstructural c...
E2 Materials Commercialization: Batch 21
February 04, 2019 20:23 - 34 minutes - 47.9 MBEpisode 2 Notes In this episode we sit down with Dr. Chett Boxley, the co-founder of Glycosurf LLC and Batch 21. Chett is a serial entrepreneur with a PhD in chemistry from the University of Utah and a long history of bringing products out of the laboratory and into the market. For this episode he describes the unique challenge of both developing a new materials-based product and also selling it and running a young startup. You can learn a lot more about Batch 21 and their green skin care...
Episode 2. Materials Commercialization: Batch 21
February 04, 2019 20:23 - 34 minutes - 47.9 MBEpisode 2 Notes In this episode we sit down with Dr. Chett Boxley, the co-founder of Glycosurf LLC and Batch 21. Chett is a serial entrepreneur with a PhD in chemistry from the University of Utah and a long history of bringing products out of the laboratory and into the market. For this episode he describes the unique challenge of both developing a new materials-based product and also selling it and running a young startup. You can learn a lot more about Batch 21 and their green skin care...
Episode 2: Materials Commercialization: Batch 21
February 04, 2019 20:23 - 34 minutes - 47.9 MBIn this episode we sit down with Dr. Chett Boxley, the co-founder of Glycosurf LLC and Batch 21. Chett is a serial entrepreneur with a PhD in chemistry from the University of Utah and a long history of bringing products out of the laboratory and into the market. Chett describes the unique challenge of both developing a new materials-based product and also selling it and running a young startup. You can learn more about Batch 21 and their green skin care products by visiting batch-21.com. F...