Ten Materials That Shaped Our World

This book explores ten materials, including flint, clay, iron, gold, glass, cement, rubber, polyethylene, aluminum, and silicon, and how they formed, discovered, and transformed our lives. It explains how our ancestors shaped materials to meet their needs, and how those materials have shaped us. It also highlights the important uses of gold in biology, medicine, and nanotechnology, and how silicon revolutionized the computer and our interconnected social networks.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 211 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the fascinating world of ten remarkable materials: flint, clay, iron, gold, glass, cement, rubber, polyethylene, aluminum, and silicon. It explores their origins, discovery processes, unique properties, and profound impact on human civilization. Since the dawn of time, humans have shaped materials to fulfill their needs, and in turn, these materials have shaped our very existence.

The fracturing of flint, for instance, led to the creation of sharp, curved surfaces, providing our ancestors with an evolutionary advantage. The molding of clay and subsequent baking in the sun gave rise to the written word, showcasing the remarkable artistic imagination of our species. As our mastery of heat increased, earthenware transformed into stoneware and eventually porcelain, becoming the most prized ceramic of all.

The advent of the Industrial Revolution was fueled by the casting of iron at high temperatures, which formed the essential components for steam engines, locomotives, and power looms. Gold, a captivating mineral that has fascinated humans for thousands of years, has recently found significant applications in biology, medicine, and nanotechnology. Glass, shaped into early and imperfect lenses, not only revealed the microscopic world of cells and crystals but also opened up a new realm of discovery, allowing us to glimpse stars and planets beyond our immediate vision.

Silicon, a remarkable material, revolutionized the computer industry, propelling us into the Information Age and giving rise to our interconnected social networks, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence. Written by a materials scientist, this book goes beyond mere explanations and delves into the intricate processes that led to the formation of these materials. It sheds light on the historical, scientific, and technological factors that shaped their development and significance.

This enlightening study captivates anyone with an interest in human history, ingenuity, and the materials that have shaped our world. It provides a deep understanding of the role these materials have played in our evolution, technological advancements, and cultural progress. Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply a curious mind, this book offers a wealth of knowledge and insights that will enrich your understanding of the world around us.

Weight: 346g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030752125
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021