So it is. Materials everywhere

Author: Xi Tonggeng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: So that's how it is, bridging the gap from popular science to public understanding through practice. Millions of "whys" answered, revealing the truth. Since the mid-20th century, new technologies like nuclear energy, computers, aerospace, and more have emerged endlessly, demanding ever-evolving materials. In recent years, people have realized that humanity has accumulated extensive knowledge about macroscopic objects and significant progress in understanding the microscopic world of atoms and molecules due to advancements in modern physics. However, research and utilization of "just right" microscopic particle systems—those several times larger than atoms/molecules but much smaller than macroscopic objects, known as the "nanoworld"—have been insufficient. As a result, research on nanomaterials and devices has become a "hot topic." Nanotechnology is on the verge of a breakthrough in material science. Throughout history, the Chinese people have made outstanding contributions to material technology. The Chinese were among the first to use magnetic materials for compasses, and porcelain is widely recognized as a great invention of China. "The autumn wind and dew open the Yue kiln, capturing the verdant hues of a thousand peaks," exquisite Chinese porcelain was once exported to the four continents. China was one of the earliest nations to master copper and iron smelting. As early as the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, the Chinese had relatively large-scale metal industries. It is believed that the blast furnace technology crucial to steel production was introduced from China to Europe. Later, however, the Industrial Revolution in Western countries, advancing material science and technology, making them powerful nations with "strong ships and powerful guns" who then turned to invade China, subjecting us to over a century of humiliation. Today, our Chinese nation is undergoing a great rejuvenation. In recent years, the production of various materials such as steel, cement, and aluminum in our country has ranked among the world's top. However, China is still a major producer of materials but not yet a leading nation in material science. Our overall level in the research and development of new materials and related theoretical studies still lags behind advanced countries. We must continue to strive to develop material science and technology, working to promote the further prosperity of the national economy and high-tech industries.