ASM Online Member Community

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

Hey Stephen,

Have you read "The Toaster Project" by Thomas Thwaites? I'm not sure if it's as informational as "Rust" (which I have on my shelf but haven't started yet), but it's a fun read. Quick summary is an industrial design student attempts to build a toaster from scratch, including figuring out how to make all the raw materials.

Aaron

------------------------------
Aaron Washburn
BWXT
Cleveland OH
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

Original Message------

Hey Stephen,

Have you read "The Toaster Project" by Thomas Thwaites? I'm not sure if it's as informational as "Rust" (which I have on my shelf but haven't started yet), but it's a fun read. Quick summary is an industrial design student attempts to build a toaster from scratch, including figuring out how to make all the raw materials.

Aaron

------------------------------
Aaron Washburn
BWXT
Cleveland OH
------------------------------

Hi Stephen,

One of the best is called "The World in a Grain: The Story of Sand and How it Transformed Civilization". You might think you understand how humans have used sand in various ways to evolve society, but the author really drives home the point that sand is "the most important solid substance on Earth".

Best,

Gee

------------------------------
Gee Abraham
STEM Writer/Editor
www.GeeAbrahamEdits.com
Gee@GeeAbrahamEdits.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

"The Substance of Civilization" is pretty good.  It's definitely a history book, but through the lens of the materials we use.  One of the big subjects was that by and large we could only use materials we could melt, so development was usually limited by how hot of a furnace we could build.

------------------------------
George Shannon
Xerox
Fairport NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

It might not be 'materials' specific but "The 13th Element: The Sordid Tale of Murder, Fire, and Phosphorus" is a good 'literary discussion' on phosphorus throughout history and how it's been used/revered (phosphorescence, early alchemists thought it to be the sorcerers stone, bombs, etc.).

Martin Donakowski
mdonakowski@exponent.com

------------------------------
Martin Donakowski
Scientist
Exponent
Boston MA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

Stephen,
One of the best books on the historical development and use of metals and related materials from 6000 BC to ~1950, is "The History of Metallurgy" written by R.F. Tylecote. The book was first published in 1976. A second edition was published in 1992 by The Institute of Materials and republished in 2002 by Manely Publishing.

Greg Hildeman
Oak Hill, VA

------------------------------
Gregory Hildeman FASM
President
GJ Hildeman Consulting, LLC
Oak Hill VA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

Wow!  Thanks for the suggestions everyone.  I'm looking forward to checking these all out.

Keep'em coming!

------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-18-2020 09:56
From: Gregory Hildeman
Subject: Materials in Literature

Stephen,
One of the best books on the historical development and use of metals and related materials from 6000 BC to ~1950, is "The History of Metallurgy" written by R.F. Tylecote. The book was first published in 1976. A second edition was published in 1992 by The Institute of Materials and republished in 2002 by Manely Publishing.

Greg Hildeman
Oak Hill, VA

------------------------------
Gregory Hildeman FASM
President
GJ Hildeman Consulting, LLC
Oak Hill VA

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

"Stuff Matters" by Mark Miodownik is a great, very approachable, read.

"Uncle Tungsten" by Oliver Sacks, and "Napoleon's Buttons" by Penny Le Couteur & Jay Burreson also relate chemistry and some materials science to the world around us.

------------------------------
Justin Sickles
West Mifflin Area HS
Pittsburgh PA
(412) 953-1518
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

This is a great video by "Stuff Matters" author Mark Miodownik who I had the pleasure of knowing in my younger days in the industry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEWFJiMK6CE&t=2688s

------------------------------
Carrie Hawk
ASM International
Community Engagement Specialist

440-338-5497
carrieh@asminternational.org
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-19-2020 06:16
From: Justin Sickles
Subject: Materials in Literature

"Stuff Matters" by Mark Miodownik is a great, very approachable, read.

"Uncle Tungsten" by Oliver Sacks, and "Napoleon's Buttons" by Penny Le Couteur & Jay Burreson also relate chemistry and some materials science to the world around us.

------------------------------
Justin Sickles
West Mifflin Area HS
Pittsburgh PA
(412) 953-1518

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

Very cool, thank you! I have his book of the same title and the disappearing spoon by sam kean in my library

------------------------------
Hallie Chavez
Materials Park OH
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-12-2020 16:16
From: Carrie Hawk
Subject: Materials in Literature

This is a great video by "Stuff Matters" author Mark Miodownik who I had the pleasure of knowing in my younger days in the industry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEWFJiMK6CE&t=2688s

------------------------------
Carrie Hawk
ASM International
Community Engagement Specialist

440-338-5497
carrieh@asminternational.org

Original Message:
Sent: 02-19-2020 06:16
From: Justin Sickles
Subject: Materials in Literature

"Stuff Matters" by Mark Miodownik is a great, very approachable, read.

"Uncle Tungsten" by Oliver Sacks, and "Napoleon's Buttons" by Penny Le Couteur & Jay Burreson also relate chemistry and some materials science to the world around us.

------------------------------
Justin Sickles
West Mifflin Area HS
Pittsburgh PA
(412) 953-1518

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

Atlas Shrugged has a metallurgist as the protagonist.  Also the author of The Substance of Civilization is a good ASM speaker.

Beth​

------------------------------
Beth Snipes FASM
Sr. Materials Engineer
TEC Materials Testing
Knoxville TN
(865) 458-1991
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

In Fiction, Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson provides a magic system called Allomancy based on utilizing different metals and their alloys for superhuman powers.

~Dan D.

------------------------------
Daniel Denis
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-19-2020 10:44
From: Beth Snipes
Subject: Materials in Literature

Atlas Shrugged has a metallurgist as the protagonist.  Also the author of The Substance of Civilization is a good ASM speaker.

Beth​

------------------------------
Beth Snipes FASM
Sr. Materials Engineer
TEC Materials Testing
Knoxville TN
(865) 458-1991

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

As a recent Lehigh U grad, I can confirm the Bethlehem Steel Mill has some ton notch rust. Wrt Lehigh, Lee Iacocca's autobiography may be a worthwhile read. 

Lee Iacocca: An Autobiography


- Dan Lindsey

------------------------------
Daniel Lindsey
Materials Engineer
Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division
Red Bank NJ
(717) 614-7396
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

Just remembered another great one:

The Periodic Table, by Primo Levi

It's a short story collection, where each of the 21 stories centers on a specific element of the periodic table. It's also a memoir of his life and experiences, with the elements and anecdotes woven together perfectly. Levi is an Auschwitz survivor, so the book hits on some tough themes, but it's both gripping and informational.

-Gee

------------------------------
Gee Abraham
STEM Writer/Editor
www.GeeAbrahamEdits.com
Gee@GeeAbrahamEdits.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

One of my favorites is Tales about Metals by S. Venetsky.  The illustrations alone are worth the price of the book.​

------------------------------
Lee Gearhart
Principal Engineer, Materials & Process Engineering
Moog Inc
East Aurora NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

Lee,

Through a quick internet search, I found out that Tales about Metals (english translation) is available for free online!  Here's the link...

https://archive.org/details/VenetskyTalesAboutMetals

The illustrations really are quite nice!  Very whimsical.

I'll share another one.  "Creators of the Age of Steel" by W.T. Jeans.  It was written in 1884, so the style is relentlessly romantic.  I think that is pretty refreshing when we are talking about something as mundane and industrial as steel.  It also contains some pretty fantastic quotes, like this really long one from Sir William Thomson...

"Accurate and minute measurement seems to the non-scientific imagination a less lofty and dignified work than looking for something new.  But nearly all the grandest discoveries of science have been but the rewards of accurate measurement and patient long-continued labor in the minute sifting of the numerical results.  The popular idea of Newton's grandest discovery is that the theory of gravitation flashed into his mind, and so the discovery was made.  It was by a long train of mathematical calculation, founded on results accumulated through the prodigious toil of practical astronomers, that Newton first demonstrated the forces urging the planets towards the sun..."

Very inspiring for the researcher toiling away!

------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-01-2020 21:53
From: Lee Gearhart
Subject: Materials in Literature

One of my favorites is Tales about Metals by S. Venetsky.  The illustrations alone are worth the price of the book.​

------------------------------
Lee Gearhart
Principal Engineer, Materials & Process Engineering
Moog Inc
East Aurora NY

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

The classic book and movie (With Jimmy Stewart as an american metallurgist!) "No Highway" (in the sky) Nevil Shute

"Men of Metals" by Sam Hoyt

"Tatnall on Testing" Frank Tatnall

""It happened to Me" Fred Bond (metals Mining engineer)

and the more modern "Killer Instinct" where one of my Prof's (William Rostoker's) favorite themes of liquid metal embrittlement  (LME) plays a pivotal role in the story.

------------------------------
Edward Vojcak
Senior Metallurgical Engineer
SGS North America
Blue Island IL
(708) 595-8734
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

A film recommendation - Hitchcock's Notorious features powder metallurgy. Good for an evening of social distancing with a bottle of wine.

The book The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden by Jonas Jonasson​ features a metallurgist but as a very unsavory character.

------------------------------
Janine Borofka
Senior Chief Engineer - Materials
JLG
Hagerstown MD
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

Mr. Rooney, Hello
We have a connection of sorts. I started at Westinghouse in East Pittsburgh, Pa ("Large Rotating Apparatus" division) in 1971. I became the "ferrous metallurgist" and worked with all of our steel suppliers, and our shop, and our customers. One of our suppliers that I worked with was Ellwood City Forge. I suspect that turned into Ellwood Materials Technologies. I am pretty sure that I spent some quality time with the company and shop of the time. If I was there, we had problems. Happily for you, I am sure I did not have to spend much time with Ellwood City Forge! 
I retired in 2016, after 45 years in the business. This is like a look into a time machine!

------------------------------
Neil Kilpatrick
Owner
GenMet LLC
Winter Springs FL
(407) 760-7293
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

And not literature, but in the TV show Breaking Bad (I only made it through season 1) when he poured Hydrofluoric acid into the bathtub...that isn't going to end well!

------------------------------
Carrie Hawk
ASM International
Community Engagement Specialist

440-338-5497
carrieh@asminternational.org
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

Not literature - but maybe you have some time on your hands at home and are looking for a great binge worthy materials show - check out "Blown Away" on Netflix.  A reality show about glass blowing.

Any other suggestions???

------------------------------
Carrie Hawk
ASM International
Community Engagement Specialist

440-338-5497
carrieh@asminternational.org
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


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Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
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Carrie, regarding Materials related entertainment:  I will sometimes watch Forged in Fire on History Channel.  It's real "heat and beat" metallurgy where modern smiths face various challenges to repurpose various steels into historically based weapons.  The contestants are truly craftsmen (and women, occasionally) and produce amazing items which are then judged and given real-world tests.

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Paul Tibbals, P.E.
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-23-2020 12:23
From: Carrie Hawk
Subject: Materials in Literature

Not literature - but maybe you have some time on your hands at home and are looking for a great binge worthy materials show - check out "Blown Away" on Netflix.  A reality show about glass blowing.

Any other suggestions???

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Carrie Hawk
ASM International
Community Engagement Specialist

440-338-5497
carrieh@asminternational.org

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

Original Message------

Not literature - but maybe you have some time on your hands at home and are looking for a great binge worthy materials show - check out "Blown Away" on Netflix.  A reality show about glass blowing.

Any other suggestions???

------------------------------
Carrie Hawk
ASM International
Community Engagement Specialist

440-338-5497
carrieh@asminternational.org
------------------------------

Hi Stephen,
There is also a video game series, Perios the Elemental Quest (search periosworld), on mobile apps and the web about the Periodic Table, and a new game in development called the Elemental Perios, www.elementalperios.com.  Each character has powers and characteristics reflecting the elements.  Goal is to teach children about the periodic table by accidental learning.

Stuart

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Stuart Miller
President
Direct Alloys LLC
Utica NY
(315) 272-7866
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------

I just learned of a new book in this vein, The Alchemy of Us,: How Humans and Matter Transformed One Another, by Ainessa Ramirez (MIT Press, April 2020). The description says "In the bestselling tradition of Stuff Matters and The Disappearing Spoon: a clever and engaging look at materials, the innovations they made possible, and how these technologies changed us."

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Scott Henry
Senior Content Engineer
ASM International
Materials Park OH
(440) 338-5401
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2020 14:04
From: Stephen Rooney
Subject: Materials in Literature

Hello everyone!

I like finding books where the topic of science, particularly materials, is given a human (even romantic) touch.  I've found a few books that meet this criteria, but thought I'd ask others for their favorites so I can round out my reading list.  What's everyone's favorite non-reference materials book?

My current favorite is "Rust: The Longest War" by Jonathan Waldman.  A really great book that does a good job contextualizing the importance and cost of battling corrosion in a variety of areas, while also highlighting those that are part of that fight.  Even has a great chapter on Alyssha Eve Csuk, who does photos of rust at the old Bethlehem steel mill.  The text is very accessible, though you might still have a tough time convincing a non-materials friend to read a book on rust, ha ha.


------------------------------
Stephen Rooney
R&D Metallurgist
Ellwood Materials Technologies
------------------------------