This smaller assignment is a material research task, in which each student will conduct a literature study of a novel material (or production method). Each student will choose a topic of interest, selected from the provided list or another topic approved by the teacher. The students will conduct a foundational research into the topic and will write a short scientific essay. This writing exercise aims at guiding the students in writing their thesis and other future writings. The material research tasks are also verbally presented in a short presentation to others in the class. 


Materials Research Task

Choose one material from the topic list below and reserve it by writing your name next to it in edit mode. You may also propose your own topic.

Within the presentation and report, answer the following questions:

  • Basic background about the material (e.g. its development and history of it)
  • Material properties (can include its structure, qualities, etc.)
  • Application area (what, where and why is it used for currently)
  • Advantages or disadvantages of it (draw comparison with other materials that might be used within the same applications)
  • Implications of its production or usage (can include different aspects such as economical, environmental, etc.)
  • Your ideas surrounding its potential future applications or refinement

The final presentation of Material Research Task will be about 10-15 min presentation following a Q&A.


Writing Instructions:

  • The Final report should be between 1200-1300 words excluding the images. 
  • Images can be used as support material.
  • It should consist of an abstract (review of text content). 
  • It should include references based on scientific standards.


Material Topic List

  • Cross-linked Materials (e.g. Thermoplastic elastomers, Polyethylene)
  • Nano-structured Materials (e.g. Nacre)
  • Non-Newtonian Materials (e.g. D3o)
  • Advanced Composites (e.g. Carbon-composites, Reinforced plastics, Aramid-composites)
  • Porous Materials (e.g. Steel-foam, Aluminium-foam)
  • Impact Resistance Materials (e.g. Poly-carbonate)
  • Technical Textiles 
              - Protech: protective textiles (e.g. Kevlar, Nomex, Modacrylic cotton) 
              - Mobiltech: transportation and aerospace (e.g. High tensile polyester, Carbon-fibre)
              - Indutech: Industrial and construction textiles (Asbestos, Fibreglass, Melamine foam)

  • Ultralight Materials (e.g. Aerogel, Carbon Nanotube, Aerographite)
  • Amorphous Materials (e.g. Amorphous silicon, Amorphous metals)

Last modified: Wednesday, 13 February 2019, 4:17 PM