#1# What is materials science and technology? Roles of scientist and engineer.

Introduction: Materials Science and Technology (MST) is a field of study that investigates the properties and behavior of various materials, such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. It is an interdisciplinary field that combines elements of physics, chemistry, engineering and applied mathematics to understand the relationships between the structure, properties, processing, and performance of materials (figure 1).Figure.1. Materials science connections

Figure.1. Materials science connections

Materials scientists and technologists seek to develop new materials with unique properties and improve existing materials. They investigate the structure of materials at various scales, from the atomic and molecular level to the macroscopic level, and use this knowledge to design materials with desired properties. They also study how materials respond to different conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and stress.

Materials science and technology have a wide range of applications, including aerospace and transportation, electronics, energy, biomedical engineering, and nanotechnology. It plays a critical role in the development of new technologies and products and in the advancement of industries that rely on materials.

What are the major roles of materials scientists and engineers?

Materials scientists and engineers play a critical role in developing and improving materials that are used in various industries. Here are some of the major roles they play:

1. Research and development: Materials scientists and engineers conduct research to develop new materials with desired properties or improve existing materials. They work on materials at the atomic and molecular level and use techniques such as X-ray diffraction, microscopy, and spectroscopy to study their structure, properties, and behavior.
2. Material selection: Materials scientists and engineers select the appropriate materials for a particular application based on their properties, cost, availability, and environmental impact. They consider factors such as strength, durability, corrosion resistance, thermal and electrical conductivity, and toxicity.
3. Testing and characterization: Materials scientists and engineers test and characterize materials to determine their properties, such as strength, hardness, elasticity, and ductility. They use various techniques like mechanical testing, thermal analysis, and spectroscopy.
4. Process development: Materials scientists and engineers develop and optimize processes for producing materials with desired properties. They consider factors such as temperature, pressure, composition, and time to control the structure and properties of the materials.
5. Quality control: Materials scientists and engineers ensure that materials meet the required standards and specifications for their intended use. They develop and implement quality control procedures to ensure the consistency and reliability of the materials.
6. Problem-solving: Materials scientists and engineers solve problems related to materials'      performance and failure. They use their knowledge of materials' properties and behavior to identify the root causes of the problems and develop solutions to prevent them from recurring.

Figure2: Laboratory activities to make something new for science and technology

Overall, materials scientists and engineers play a critical role in advancing technology and improving the quality of life by developing and improving the materials that are used in various industries. More about science and technology help.