Matmatch

In an age of environmental consciousness, how many people have received a delivery package lined with foam and thought, 'what a waste'? Here, Jordan Flagal, an environmental scientist and policy analyst, writes for Matmatch, explaining how mushrooms can be an ally in creating a biodegradable alternative to polystyrene.

Philip K. Dick’s 1964 science fiction novel, Martian Time-Slip, imagined a human colony on Mars reliant on waterways, allotments and robots. Today, such quaint sci-fi concepts are actual scientific possibilities now that we better understand the resources that are available on the red planet. Here, Samir Jaber, engineering content writer at Matmatch, examines how materials testing could make or break humanity’s future on Mars.

Sustainability is increasingly becoming a central aspect of our world, particularly within the materials industry. Multiple sustainability indicators within environmental, economic and social schemes are specifically sought to ensure sustainable production, use, reuse and disposal of products and materials. However, the challenge lies in the quantification of these indicators and finding the best methods for measuring and reporting their impacts. 

Online materials database, Matmatch has launched a new guide to sustainable materials selection, a section on the site dedicated to green materials. The new page aims to inform and educate engineers on the importance of sustainable materials and to recommend suppliers for design engineering projects. As sustainability increasingly becomes a critical factor in many engineering projects, this guide is a must read for anyone concerned about the environment and the circular economy.

Matmatch has launched a series of new website features that simplify the process of material selection. The free database connects engineers and product designers with the best materials and suppliers across the globe, allowing them to find materials by filtering on their physical and chemical properties.

Since Italy became the first European country to enter lockdown on 8th March and the consequent restrictions from governments globally to control the spread of COVID-19, the materials market overall experienced a drop in demand. However, while the demand for many engineering materials dropped, the polymers industry saw continued growth in demand. Here, Ben Smye, Head of Growth at Matmatch, provides insight into Matmatch’s trend data.

The materials supply industry is one that has traditionally been resistant to adopt digital technologies to support sales and marketing efforts. However, Switzerland-based integrated metals manufacturer and distributor, AMPCO METAL has taken the step forward by partnering with online material search platform, Matmatch. One year on and AMPCO METAL has already seen the positive impact on sales and awareness in new market segments.

In modern history, the linear economy has been prevalent, with the input of raw materials for processing and use, followed by waste at the other end. As waste has piled up and as carbon emissions have instigated climate dangers, there is an increasing urgency to shift towards a circular economy. Here, Jordan Flagel, Guest Author at Matmatch, explains which materials to adopt in a circular economy.

It would be almost impossible to imagine our modern world without glass. The material is as visually striking and complex as it is versatile, from glass microspheres used as fillers to sight glass that protects humans from high-level radiation. Here, Samir Jaber, Technical Content Writer at Matmatch explores some of the impressive uses of glass in industrial applications.

COVID-19 has disrupted many sectors, including the materials industry. Since the new year began, the demand for engineering materials, such as steel, aluminium, copper and polymers, has drastically changed. But how is the materials market performing now that we are slowly starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel?

It’s unlikely that any design engineer would knowingly develop a product that was unfit for purpose or unable to last. But without close attention to materials selection, this can be the fate of many products due to mechanical stress and natural creep. Richard Huber, Materials Scientist at materials comparison site Matmatch explains the impact of mechanical stress on commonly used materials.