The Periodic Table of Elements invented by Russian scientist Dimitri Mendeleev nearly 150 years ago and the transistor that paved the way for the current electronic revolution are some of the greatest ever materials science innovations in history. Also among the top 10 is whootz steel making, a high quality steel making technique believed to have originated in India in 300 BC.

These were voted as the Greatest Materials Moments in History by experts and public at large in a survey conducted in connection with The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, that concluded early this month. The five-day meeting attracted more 4,200 materials scientists and engineers from all over the world.

The Periodic Table of Elements

devised by Dmitri Mendeleev in 1864 was voted the number one materials moment, the indispensable reference tool for those in the field.

Iron Smelting

Around 3500 B.C., Egyptians smelt iron for the first time, using tiny amounts, mostly for ornamental or ceremonial purposes. This was the first processing secret of what became the world’s dominant metallurgical material.

Transistor

In 1948, John Bardeen, Walter H. Brattain and William Shockley invented the transistor. This became the building block for all modern electronics and the foundation for microchip and computer technology.

Invention of Glass

Approximately 2200 B.C., northwestern Iranians invented glass. This became the second greatest nonmetallic engineering material (following ceramics).

Optical Microscopy

In 1668, Anton van Leeuwenhoek developed optical microscopy, capable of magnifications of 200 times and greater. This enabled study of the natural world invisible to the human eye.

Modern Concrete

In 1755, John Smeaton invented modern concrete (hydraulic cement), which introduced the dominant construction material of the modern age.

Crucible Steel Making

Around 300 B.C., metal workers in south India developed crucible steel making, which produced “wootz” steel. This became famous as Damascus sword steel hundreds of years later, inspiring artisans, blacksmiths and metallurgists for many generations.

Copper

Extraction and Casting

Approximately 5000 B.C., people in the region of modern Turkey discovered that liquid copper can be extracted from malachite and azurite, and that the molten metal can be cast into different shapes. Extractive metallurgy was introduced.

X-ray Diffraction

In 1912, Max von Laue discovered the diffraction of X-rays by crystals. This created the means to characterise crystal structures and inspired the development of the theory of diffraction by crystals.

Bessemer Process

In 1856, Henry Bessemer patented a bottom-blown acid process for melting low-carbon iron. This led to the era of cheap, large tonnage steel, enabling massive progress in transportation, building construction and general industrialisation.