- Radio Times
- Review by:
- Geoff Ellis
“It works! You’re a genius!” Mark Miodownik tells a fellow boffin, whose clever plastic tape, mimicking how a beetle’s legs stick to the ceiling, supports Dr M’s entire weight. But before we get to the contemporary world of materials exactly one atom thick, we follow the fascinating trial-and-error chemistry behind rubber, celluloid and Bakelite.
Dr M loves ‘em all, mixing potions and grinning with anarchic delight when it all goes wrong. It’s even more fun when we learn how scientists started manipulating molecules and coming up with brilliant stuff like carbon composites. He bounces on a bit of a Formula One car to demonstrate. Like his subject, this programme is shiny and bright.
About this programme
2/3. Mark Miodownik charts the story of mankind's understanding of plastic and its properties, and the ways this knowledge contributed to the development of civilisation. He explores how it brought luxury to the masses, and looks back at some failed inventions, including plastic billiard balls and Bakelite. He also examines the properties that have made plastic such a popular resource, and reveals what the future holds for the material.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Presenter
- Mark Miodownik
Crew
- Executive Producer
- Helen Thomas
- Series Producer
- Jacqueline Smith
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