Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast

Harley Wilhelm, an unsung hero of the Manhattan Project, shares his groundbreaking work in revolutionizing pure uranium metal production. He discusses the Ames Process that transformed slow metal smelting into a vital operation for ending World War II. The conversation dives into the intricate science of uranium enrichment and the unexpected connections in rare earth research. Wilhelm also highlights the challenges of maintaining secrecy during wartime collaboration and details the surprising uses and health implications of depleted uranium.

Discover the revolutionary world of high entropy alloys (HEAs), materials that defy traditional metallurgy rules with their unique compositions. These alloys boast exceptional strength, hardness, and thermal stability, transforming the materials industry. Experts discuss the simultaneous discovery of HEAs at top universities and their implications for future technological advancements. Explore the cutting-edge techniques for manufacturing these alloys and their immense potential in various applications, from aerospace to energy solutions.

Explore the catastrophic consequences of choosing the wrong epoxy in construction, leading to costly failures and a tragic death. Uncover the series of poor decisions that turned a new highway plan into a disaster. Learn lessons from the devastating event and the positive changes it inspired in Boston's tunnel system.

Professor Sergei Kalinin from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville talks about the new applications of electron microscopy, including atom-by-atom materials fabrication. They also discuss the integration of machine learning to enhance scientists' work with electron microscopy.

Explore how Microsoft is revolutionizing material discovery through machine learning and AI, focusing on lithium-ion battery electrolytes. They use a filtering process to identify promising candidates and partner with PNNL for synthesis. Learn about their methodology and future opportunities in this exciting field.

Dan Wilson, a materials salesman at Sintx, shares insights on challenges and success in material sales, focusing on the importance of trust, relationships, and understanding new materials' impact on production processes. The podcast also explores high-temperature composites, additive manufacturing innovations, and the development of soft skills through experiences in the industry.

Join Nick Sandland, a scientist specializing in next generation biodegradable plastics, as he discusses the fascinating world of PHAs and biodegradable polymers. Topics include challenges in plastic pollution, the origins and decomposition of PHAs, the evolution and applications of PHAs, and the future of biodegradable materials in reducing plastic waste.

Explore the fascinating world of Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) characterization with Stuart Wright and Matt Nowell. They discuss measuring grain size, phase distribution, texture, and more. Learn about advancements in metal identification, detector technology, and applications across industries. Sponsored by Gatan and American Elements.

Discover how the ICME method revolutionizes material design, from aerospace alloys to single crystal nickel alloys for turbine engines. Explore the ICMD software by QuesTek, enabling rapid material property predictions and design. Dive into the evolution of aviation materials, advancements in nickel super alloys, and the exciting world of materials design.

Discover the world of computed tomography in materials science, where high-resolution 3D reconstructions reveal cracks and voids without destruction. Explore real-time observations of processes like battery degradation and dendrite growth, and learn how 3D diffraction data identifies phase distributions. Join William Harris from Zeiss Microscopy as he showcases the transformative power of computed tomography in reshaping materials science.