EGR 376: Material Science and Engineering Lecture

Term: Fall 2024

Instructor: Mike Kinsinger

Description of course: Periods in human history have been defined by advancements in new materials. Discoveries in Materials Science have lead the way to new technologies in every engineering discipline and continue to be at the forefront of developing fields such as biomaterials and nanotechnology. This course provides a broad introduction into the world of Materials Science with a special emphasis on the relationship between the composition, processing, structure and properties of metals, ceramics, polymers and composites. EGR Majors only. Prerequisites: EGR 270 and EGR 290.

Scanning Electron Micrographs (#1-5) of various materials. All samples prepared and images acquired by students in this course.

#1: SEM of a hydrophobic leaf. Investigating similarities and differences between natural vs synthetic approaches to hydrophobic surfaces.

#2: SEM of a high-quality paper towel. Comparing high- vs low-quality paper towel by examining their fiber structure and separately how that affects their absorbency.

#3: SEM of virgin PLA. Comparing polylactic acid (PLA) filaments used for 3D printing; Virgin materials from supplier vs materials previously used in 3D print and recycled.

#4: SEM of a fractured surface of uncorroded high carbon steel. Comparison of high carbon steel vs low carbon steel in their original condition and when corroded in acid bath.

#5: SEM of nylon tennis racket string. Different materials used to make tennis racket strings are pulled and compared.