materials science

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In engineering, the study of the microstructure of materials and of how it relates to their properties and behaviour. The materials concerned are metals, semiconductors, ceramics, polymers (plastics), and composites (made of more than one type of material). Materials scientists test how these respond to the application of stresses, electrical currents, magnetic fields, high or low temperatures, corrosion, or bacterial degradation. They also design new materials, tailored to meet specific requirements, and in recent years have developed superconductors, aerogels, aramid and carbon fibres, and smart materials that contain sensors and switches to improve their own performance.

Increasingly, materials scientists also study natural materials, such as bone, wood, and feathers, to see how their properties can be transferred to synthetic materials.

The ‘Sun of May’ was added in 1818. The blue bands are a shade known as ‘celeste’, said to be the colour of the sky which inspired Argentine revolutionary Manuel Belgrano before battle. Effective date: 16 August 1985. >>