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 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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 1, 2025 • 52min
Episode 107: Glass Science with Schott
Join Sebastian Leukel, a glassmaking expert from SCHOTT AG, and Colin Schmucker, a specialist in semicon glass solutions, as they dive into the remarkable world of glass. They discuss the historical evolution of glass, from its natural origins to groundbreaking production methods like containerless melting. Discover the fascinating science behind glass properties, debunking myths and examining advancements that enhance its use in everything from cookware to fusion energy technologies. It's a captivating exploration of a material we often take for granted!
Jun 12, 2025 • 34min
Episode 106: Photoluminescent Materials
Dive into the captivating world of photoluminescent materials and discover how they bring magic to our everyday lives. Explore the differences between phosphorescence and fluorescence, with a surprising look at biofluorescence in the platypus. Uncover the complex interactions of electronic states that create glowing effects and learn about their practical applications, including in biomedicine and modern displays. The episode also highlights innovations in ceramics and the exciting future of these luminous materials.
May 22, 2025 • 35min
Episode 105: Cooling Paints
Discover how cooling paints can keep your home cooler without breaking the bank. The hosts dive into the science of innovative coatings, translating complex physical principles into practical solutions for energy efficiency. Explore the balance between aesthetics and functionality, using examples that spotlight unique materials like Oreos and eggshells. Health concerns around VOCs and nanoparticles are also examined, adding depth to the discussion on sustainable options for modern cooling technologies.
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May 8, 2025 • 1h 4min
Episode 104: The Winding Path to Materials Discovery
In this discussion, physicist Paul Canfield from Ames Laboratory shares his adventurous journey in materials discovery. He draws creative parallels between cooking and science, emphasizing the importance of quality ingredients and collaborative mentorship. Paul delves into the complexity of synthesizing new materials, explores the latest in high-temperature ferromagnets, and highlights the challenges of funding in research. He also stresses the fusion of human and machine learning in tackling solid-state chemistry, revealing the exciting potential of innovative materials.
61 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 47min
Episode 103: MatterGen
Tian Xie, a principal researcher at Microsoft Research AI for Science, joins the conversation to unveil the groundbreaking AI tool, MatterGen, designed to revolutionize materials discovery. They discuss how MatterGen can identify materials with bespoke properties without lab experiments. The duo also explores the Azure AI Foundry, emphasizing the synergy between MatterSim and MatterGen. With insights into generative models and data-driven techniques, Xie highlights the transformative potential of AI in enhancing material science and addressing global challenges.
14 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 37min
Episode 102: Integrating Materials and Manufacturing Innovation
In this discussion, Chuck Ward, former Chief of Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies at AFRL, shares his extensive experience in materials science accumulated over 36 years in the Air Force. He delves into the innovative aims of the Integrating Materials and Manufacturing Innovation journal, spotlighting its role in open science and data publishing. Chuck emphasizes the importance of dynamic methods in materials research and advocates for transformative practices in academic publishing, ultimately pushing for more collaborative efforts in the research community.
Feb 26, 2025 • 50min
Episode 101: All About Biomatter
In this chat, Eleftheria Roumeli, an assistant professor at the University of Washington, delves into the fascinating world of biomatter and sustainable polymers. She shares how 'gross' bacteria from fish tanks can transform into strong plastic shapes and discusses foraging for seaweed to source biological materials. The conversation also touches on the environmental impact of these innovative plastics and the importance of sustainability in materials science. Eleftheria's insights illuminate the promising future of bioengineering in the realm of materials.
Feb 4, 2025 • 34min
Episode 100: Materials for Bikes
Discover the captivating history and evolution of bicycles, from primitive wooden frames to cutting-edge carbon fiber designs. Explore how materials like steel and aluminum have shaped performance and safety in biking. Delve into the strengths and limitations of various materials, including titanium and the ongoing debates over traditional versus modern options. The science behind bicycle components like tires and brakes is also unraveled, showcasing the complexities that enhance various biking disciplines. It's a fascinating ride through materials science!
Jan 10, 2025 • 54min
Episode 99: Bulk Metallic Glasses
Join Jan Schroers, a Yale professor and expert in bulk metallic glasses, as he dives into the transformative world of these revolutionary materials. Discover how rapid cooling can turn liquid metals into glassy materials with remarkable strength, rivaling ceramics. Jan reveals the potential of bulk metallic glasses in innovative applications, from sports equipment to advanced robotics. He also discusses the intriguing physics behind their properties, including the significance of cooling rates and atomic arrangements, highlighting their game-changing capabilities.
Dec 11, 2024 • 52min
Episode 98: Accelerating Catalyst Research with Meta
Larry Zitnick, Research Director at Meta's AI team, and Aaike van Vught from VSParticle dive into the intriguing intersection of machine learning and materials science. They discuss the creation of OCx24, an open catalysis database, revealing the challenges of building it from scratch. The guests also explore how autonomous spark ablation techniques streamline materials synthesis. With a holistic look at reproducibility and data-sharing across the community, they illustrate how tech can drive sustainable innovations in catalyst research.
