Materials Engineering

Materials have always played an important role for mankind. Even historical eras have been named after some common materials prevailing at that particular time, e.g. Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age. We cannot imagine our lives without materials: without concrete and steel, there would be no buildings or roads, without cooper, there would be no electricity. Cars, for example, are composed of many different materials or combinations of these (metals, plastics, glass), let alone different functional materials used in electronics and sensors. With an optimal combination of materials used in equipment and structures, it is possible to achieve safe environment standards, solve environmental problems, regulate energy needs, buy technical products at a reasonable price and enjoy a comfortable life. No area of science has changed our lives so much as information technology. Yet, there would be no such development without modern materials, such as complex semi-conducting materials and optical fibres. New materials, e.g. nano-structured materials, carry a large potential that we cannot even foresee at this moment. Therefore, it goes without saying that research and development of materials will always be needed for technological development and a successful global economy.