Materialchef

This week we look at a strong and solid material, concrete. Looking at the foundations of this this scientific delicacy we will explain what concrete is, how it works and what properties the material has that make it so ubiquitous in our buildings and transport infrastructure.

Guest: Dave Costen, Milbank Concrete Products

Music: Dan-O, at http://danosongs.com. Filming: Alex Parkyn-Smith. Copyright the Naked Scientists.

Image: Aali R. Alizadeh

In this instalment we look at a playful and plastic material, pottery. Smashing our way through this scientific delicacy we will explain where pottery comes from, how it works and how to get the best from a mouldable, malleable and creative medium...

Guest: Katharina Klug, www.katharina.klug-art.com

Music: Dan-O, at http://danosongs.com. Filming: Alex Parkyn-Smith. Copyright the Naked Scientists.

This week we take a peek at an impressive and palatable product, paper, we whizz, blitz and bash our way through to find to out where paper comes from, how it is made and what makes it positively perfect.

Guest: Peter Burford, http://www.thepapertrail.org.uk/

Music: Dan-O, at http://danosongs.com. Filming: Alex Parkyn-Smith. Copyright the Naked Scientists.

This week we have a gander at the glorious and glistening material, glass. We cook up a scientific delicacy to explain where glass comes from, how it is made and what effect temperature has on this shatteringly-shiny and sumptuous substance...

Guest: Stewart Hearne, http://www.stewarthearn.com

Music: Dan-O, at http://danosongs.com

Materialchef

This week we have at a wholly wonderful material, wood. Chomping through this scientific delicacy we will explain where wood comes from, how it works and how to get the best from a vivacious, versatile and marvellous medium...

Guest: Donato Cinicolo

Music: Dan-O, at http://danosongs.com. Filming: Alex Parkyn-Smith. Copyright the Naked Scientists.

This week we take a look at the seductive and slinky raw material, rubber, cooking up in the process a scientific treat to explain where rubber comes from, how vulcanisation works and what gives this stretchy industrial staple its unique properties...

Music: Dan-O, at http://danosongs.com. Filming: Alex Parkyn-Smith. Copyright the Naked Scientists.