As part of GTIIT's Masterclass Series, the eminent professor, Richard W. Siegel, presented, "The Modern World of Materials: Creating Nanomaterials to Benefit Society." Visiting from the Materials Science and Engineering Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, USA, Professor Siegel is a world-renowned scholar in materials science, pioneer of nanostructured materials, and active in materials research for over 50 years. Charting the history of the world through the materials that have dominated its technology – from stone and bronze, through to steel and silicon etc. – Professor Siegel shared with GTIIT students an engaging, visual and highly informative presentation of the material development of civilization. 

Prof. Siegel received certificate of appreciation from Vice Chancellor Prof. Eliezer Shalev and Head of Graduate Studies Prof. Moshe Eizenberg

Professor Siegal mentioned:Over the past several decades, creative developments worldwide have continually increased our ability to synthesize and assemble nanoscale material building blocks of various sizes and morphologies to create advanced nanostructured materials and devices with novel properties and functionalities. These materials and devices, based firmly upon early pioneering research, have enabled the continued development of nanotechnology for the increasing benefit of society. The special properties of nanostructured materials are derived from the unique atomic structures, confined sizes, and very large surface-to-volume ratios of their nanoscale constituents. Nanostructured surfaces exhibit specific functions through their nanoscale topography. Also, the controlled dispersion of high surface area nanoscale fillers with precise surface modification in conventional material matrices have enabled the creation of novel multifunctional nanocomposites. These emerging nanoscale attributes continue to create new opportunities for solutions to important societal problems.

By highlighting examples from the nanoscalematerials research at Rensselaer, Professor Siegel took his audience on a journeythrough the development of nanostructured materials. By focusing on some of theseminal contributions that have made advances possible, along with currentadvances, the masterclass really illuminated, not only the relevance ofnanoparticles in our present lives, but just how bright and impactful is the future for new materials.

Text: Jenny Gal-Or, GTIIT News & Public Affairs

Photos: Lin Ziyang