From glass and steel to rare earth metals, new materials have changed society throughout history
- Written by Peter Mullner, Distinguished Professor in Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University
Steel played a large role in the Industrial Revolution. Monty Rakusen/DigitalVision via Getty ImagesMany modern devices – from cellphones and computers to electric vehicles and wind turbines – rely on strong magnets made from a type of minerals called rare earths. As the systems and infrastructure used in daily life have turned digital...