{"id":82440,"date":"2019-03-28T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-03-28T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.corrosionpedia.com\/2019\/03\/28\/how-to-get-started-in-a-career-as-a-materials-scientist"},"modified":"2019-03-24T08:08:07","modified_gmt":"2023-12-09T19:01:58","slug":"how-to-get-started-in-a-career-as-a-materials-scientist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.corrosionpedia.com\/how-to-get-started-in-a-career-as-a-materials-scientist\/2\/6992","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Started in a Career as a Materials Scientist"},"content":{"rendered":"

Materials science is a relatively diverse area of study. Since its inception, this engineering field has helped to revolutionize the way we design and manufacture countless components in a number of industries<\/a>. Loose concepts of materials science can be traced back to the middle ages<\/a>, where a rough understanding of the elasticity<\/a> and plasticity<\/a> of materials allowed blacksmiths to hammer metals into tools, weapons and other useful shapes. During these times the field was based more on alchemy and empirical methods than actual science.<\/p>\n

However, it wasn’t until the study and development of chemistry, physics and the interdisciplinary study of materials that the field of materials science truly emerged. Since the advent of this area of research, the strength, durability and reliability of metals, plastics, ceramics<\/a> and other engineering materials have been vastly improved — allowing them to be used in industries and applications that would have otherwise been unfeasible. (For examples of practical applications, read Top 5 Applications for Ceramic Coatings<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

This field deals with the science of materials and their behavior, so it stands to reason that individuals dedicated to this area of study must have an aptitude for natural sciences and mathematics. Because the amount of knowledge required for this career can be detailed and quite extensive, those who wish to pursue materials science are also expected to have a high level of dedication and focus to their studies.<\/p>\n

Read: <\/strong>How to Become a Corrosion Technician in 2023<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

What is Materials Science?<\/h2>\n

To ensure the strength, durability, reliability, safety and cost efficiency of any engineered device or component, proper material selection<\/a> is of utmost importance. Now more than ever, modern industries (aerospace, construction, medical, automotive, manufacturing, etc.) are demanding materials that can deliver superior performance<\/a> while being as lightweight and economical as possible. (Find out why in the article How to Control Corrosion by Improving Design<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Materials science involves the study of all materials, including an in-depth understanding of their properties and characteristics. It is a relatively broad engineering and scientific discipline that is dedicated to the improvement of existing materials as well as the creation of new ones.<\/p>\n

The underlying principle of materials science involves relating a material's microstructure<\/a> composition to its macromolecular physical, mechanical and chemical properties. By understanding these connections, materials scientists can tailor the properties and performance of new or existing materials as required for specific engineering applications.<\/p>\n

Since its introduction, materials science has had a profound impact on:<\/p>\n