Material Science Timeline and Innovations

Material Science Timeline

• 1769: Discovery of the steam engine (Watt)
• 1831: Discovery of the dynamo (Faraday)
• 1913: Popularization of stainless steel
• 1950: Discovery of silicones and first use in aircraft
• 1960: Perfection of silicon crystals (almost perfect purity)
• 1962: Discovery of the nickel and titanium alloy
• 1971: Presentation of soft contact lenses (Bausch & Lomb)
• 1983: First mobile phone
• 1991: First Web page

Second Industrial Revolution Key Points

• New production systems improve accelerated production.
• Amendment to the way we produce at all levels.
• Minimization of production costs.

Plastics: An Overview

Plastics are characterized by their plasticity, a property that allows them to be easily molded into the most convenient shapes. Their history began in the late nineteenth century with the intention to replace ivory. The molecules that make up plastics are called polymers, formed by the union of a large number of small molecules called monomers, which can be identical or different. This process is called polymerization.

Carbon Fiber Explained

Carbon fiber is a long and very thin strand composed of carbon atoms. The atoms stick together to form microscopic crystals that are placed one above the other parallel to the axis of the fiber. This arrangement gives the fiber incredible strength for its size. Several carbon fibers are intertwined to form a tissue, which is then combined with resins and glue and shaped to have the necessary form.

Vulcanization of Tires: A Brief Description

The main component of tires is latex, from which a paste is obtained. The components of this paste form threads that have no atomic bonds between them, making it very sticky but without consistency. The discovery of vulcanization by Goodyear involved mixing sulfur with latex rubber. Sulfur creates chemical bonds between the strands of rubber, giving it the consistency and flexibility that we associate with tires.

Ten Innovative Materials

• Fabrics that do not need ironing
• Stain-resistant fabrics
• Plastics that conduct electricity
• Biomaterials for artificial bones and tissue development
• Nanoindustries capable of developing nanomachines
• Miniature batteries with long life
• Extremely thin touchscreens
• Electronic ink capable of displaying text, photographs, or drawings
• XDR structures manufactured from carbon nanotubes
• Smart materials that can adapt their properties to environmental conditions