International Journal of Technology

The National Academy of Engineering recognized the Grand Challenges in engineering for the 21st century in 2008. These challenges encompass tasks such as ensuring access to economical solar energy, managing the nitrogen cycle, engineering the tools of scientific discovery, and other obstacles that must be overcome for humans to continue advancing. More than half of these challenges will necessitate the development and use of novel advanced materials. The question at hand is the origin of these novel elements.
Surprisingly, many everyday items have their origins in were stumbled upon by coincidence. Products like playdough, stainless steel, rubber tires, superconductors, and superglue stand as a testament to this phenomenon in engineering materials, where their defining characteristics were uncovered almost by accident. Take into account artificial sweeteners such as saccharin. In 1878, Constantin Fahlberg was diligently conducting research on coal-tar compounds. After accidentally spilling chemicals on his hands, he proceeds to find it excessively sweet. After a span of ninety years, the artificial sweetener aspartame was discovered using the same method. James Schlatter inadvertently exposed his hands to a chemical substance and subsequently chose to orally moisten his fingers in order to separate two adhered pages of a book. This incident exemplifies yet another instance of the accidental discovery of new materials for future applications.
On the other hand, critical minerals and advanced materials are very useful for many applications to support advanced technologies now and future. These innovations would provide new materials for the development of eco-friendly advanced technologies which are necessary to enhance the living standard and economic developments in the future.

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International Journal of Technology, 2017-2024