Cutting Edge Materials

'What do materials scientists do? They investigate the properties of materials. Sometimes they try to make a material for a purpose. Sometimes a material is discovered and they explore its potential uses. The properties of all materials must be rigorously assessed.'

These practicals and videos use a workplace context to help students find out more about how science is applied to using and testing new materials, including the manufacture of miniature electrical circuits.

The practicals investigate the properties of an unusual material - nitinol (a smart metal alloy).

The video shows researchers working in the Department of Engineering, University of Liverpool doing world-leading research into advanced materials.