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Titanium: how we use the metal of the titans

Beyond its remarkable properties, titanium minerals also look spectacularly.

Vinylon -- how a material made from coal, alcohol, and limestone became the clothing default in North Korea

The unlikely story of how an unusual material became entwined with a country's identity.

What is stainless steel?

An unassuming, yet extremely important alloy.

Damascus steel: the forgotten metal used to forge some of the world's most amazing blades

Materials scientists have never been able to replicate the quality of true Damascus blades to a tee.

Strongest glass in the world can scratch diamonds

AM-III also works as a semiconductor, allowing it to transfer electrical current.

Why Roman concrete is stronger than it ever was, while modern concrete decays

Concrete in some Roman piers is not only still viable today but stronger than it ever was. Its secret sauce? Seawater.

Cork: what is the material we stuff our wine bottles with?

It's sustainable and surprisingly versatile!

Plastic is everywhere. But what are its main types? A simple explainer

The blessing and the curse of plastic.

What is petroleum, and where does it come from?

You gotta crack some plankton to make crude oil.

The difference between silicon and silicone

It’s one of the most common confusions in the English language. In short, silicon is the chemical element Si, while silicone is a synthetic polymer. Although it appears like the words are synonyms and can be used interchangeably, they’re not and they designate completely different things. Let’s detail a bit on what each of them are, […]

What is concrete: how concrete is made and why it's so important

Concrete practically surrounds us, but how many of us really know what it is?

Everything about Aluminium: facts, recycling, importance

The next time you throw away an aluminium can, picture the can half full of gasoline. That's how much energy goes into making it, and how much energy will have to be spent to produce a new one rather than recycle.

What is metal glass: the wonder material you've never heard of

Such materials combine the best properties of glass and metals into one amazing product.