Living in a material world

From the time humans discovered that striking two pieces of flint together created a spark, materials engineering has been integral to the changes that have shaped the world, from medicine and transportation to clothing and space travel.

Without materials engineers it would not be possible for surgeons to carry out complicated microsurgery or for chefs to prepare food using non-stick cooking utensils.

When Olympians gather at the Beijing National Stadium in August this year, they will unknowingly be competing in an environment that has benefited from the attention of materials science.

As an alternative to the original material specified for the floor coverings of the stadium, lighter, more environmentally friendly and safer materials were selected.

'The Beijing authorities were very receptive to using materials that would perform better and cost less than the original specifications,' said Raymond Wan Wai-man, committee member of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) Materials Division and director and general manager at Cement Connections that was responsible for supplying flooring materials, and providing technical support during the installation.

Jonathan Chung Chi-yuen, deputy chairman of the HKIE Materials Discipline Advisory Panel said that during the last half-century materials had transformed everyday living, the world's workplace, and the global economy.