Materials Unit Project
Materials Unit Project Reflection
Q: "How has the chemistry of materials shaped our past, present and how may it shape our future?”
The chemistry of materials has shaped the past, present, and future drastically. When we think of materials, we often take for granted how much the smallest compounds and chemicals affect our lives drastically on a day to day basis. From gorilla glass that makes screens nearly invincible to 3D printing that is paving the way to enhancements in an infinite amount of fields, materials are shaping everything around us (literally). Through this materials project, I learned how I can make a difference in the lives of athletes through the improvement and refinement of the design of wetsuits, which is just one division of the many sports enhancements that are shaping our world today. By writing a professional letter and doing the research to shape that professional letter, I also learned how to effectively communicate in the professional world, and how to communicate my ideas to a larger and more professional audience. All of these processes made me learn how materials are shaped and refined every day, and gave me a broader understanding of the macroscopic world around me.
Q: “How does the structure of matter on the atomic, molecular, microscopic and macroscopic levels determine a material’s properties?”
The structure of a material on it's chemical level impacts its properties greatly. By studying the neoprene structure of wetsuits, I learned a lot about the properties of radiation and insulation. Learning about these properties helped me connect concepts from our Chemistry semester to the "real world," and seeing these impacts made me more aware of the functions of the materials around me. For instance, I was very interested in learning that nitrogen bubbles trapped in neoprene helped conserve heat, and keep body temperature level while in cold water. This molecular makeup was very relevant to me as a surfer, and gave me a "microscope view" of an everyday item I have come in contact many times before.
The chemistry of materials has shaped the past, present, and future drastically. When we think of materials, we often take for granted how much the smallest compounds and chemicals affect our lives drastically on a day to day basis. From gorilla glass that makes screens nearly invincible to 3D printing that is paving the way to enhancements in an infinite amount of fields, materials are shaping everything around us (literally). Through this materials project, I learned how I can make a difference in the lives of athletes through the improvement and refinement of the design of wetsuits, which is just one division of the many sports enhancements that are shaping our world today. By writing a professional letter and doing the research to shape that professional letter, I also learned how to effectively communicate in the professional world, and how to communicate my ideas to a larger and more professional audience. All of these processes made me learn how materials are shaped and refined every day, and gave me a broader understanding of the macroscopic world around me.
Q: “How does the structure of matter on the atomic, molecular, microscopic and macroscopic levels determine a material’s properties?”
The structure of a material on it's chemical level impacts its properties greatly. By studying the neoprene structure of wetsuits, I learned a lot about the properties of radiation and insulation. Learning about these properties helped me connect concepts from our Chemistry semester to the "real world," and seeing these impacts made me more aware of the functions of the materials around me. For instance, I was very interested in learning that nitrogen bubbles trapped in neoprene helped conserve heat, and keep body temperature level while in cold water. This molecular makeup was very relevant to me as a surfer, and gave me a "microscope view" of an everyday item I have come in contact many times before.
Materials Unit Elevator Pitch for "Shark Tank" Exhibition
Hello, my name is Lyle Bryson and I am here to represent the revolutionary HeatSuit™ technology. Are you tired of the soreness and fatigue that comes with long periods of time spent paddling and swimming in cold waters? What if I told you there was a product out there that combats this soreness and can improve activity and play time? Have no fear; the new HeatSuit™ is here! By combining a ceramic-based material with conventional wetsuit design, the HeatSuit™ exhibits properties that increase blood flow and muscle relaxation. Due to this new design, you will be able to spend more hours in the water than ever. Surfer? Kayaker? Scuba diver? Whatever aquatic sport you participate in, this neoprene & ceramic material is perfect for extending the fun and shortening the pain. But wait, there’s more! Soon, Bryson industries will be expanding this heat-based technology into socks, towels, and neck pads so that you can take the heat with you wherever you go! There’s just one last question I have to ask: are you ready to bring the heat?