Seminars for the Spring Term 2003-04

FRS 128 Materials World [ST]

Materials surround and compose us. Materials produced by natural geological and biological processes find common use in our daily activities. We produce ever more by synthesizing materials not usually found in nature. Entire civilizations have evolved with advances in materials throughout history, and materials have identified the ages of humankind: stone, bronze, iron, and, most recently, silicon. Materials: what are they, how are they made, and how are they used? What materials are in our future? This seminar will address these questions in class and in the laboratory.

Aggregates of atoms, through specific atomic or molecular interactions that define their structure, evolve into materials of the various forms we know as metals, polymers, and ceramics. A material's properties are determined by the nature of these atomic interactions and structural features. We will begin by examining this interplay among the nature of the atomic interactions, the structures that form as a consequence, and the properties of materials. We will continue with a study of the processes used in the synthesis and processing of materials, as different methods are used depending on the type of material, and contrast human and natural syntheses. Man-made materials are typically produced by high temperature methods whereas biologically produced ones follow a low temperature approach. Synthetic materials are designed to satisfy only one or two functions, but biologically produced ones are typically multifunctional and have properties (e.g., self-replicating, self-healing) that have yet to be introduced into man-made ones.

The overall objective of this course is to provide an understanding of the important processes for controlling materials properties through nano- and microstructural design and processing. A specific objective of the course will be to evaluate the possibility of utilizing bio-inspired methods in technological applications. The course provides a hands-on laboratory experience on the topics covered in discussion.