Materials Scientist how-to

How to Characterize a New Material

Characterization tells you what you made.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Characterization tells you what you made. In short: check; check; image, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Check composition.

  2. Check structure with XRD.

  3. Image with microscopy.

  4. Measure properties.

  5. Compare to targets.

  6. Document.

Safety reminders for materials scientists

  • Follow chemical safety
  • Follow nanomaterial handling rules
  • Use glove boxes properly
  • Follow radiation safety

Hypothesis · Peer review · Grant · Protocol · Replication · Crystal structure: see the full materials scientist glossary.

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