From the metals that make up the plumbing and wiring in our homes to the plastics that package our foods, scientists are constantly working to improve on natural materials to develop better products. In this new title, discover the history and properties of man-made materials and how they have allowed humans to reinvent their world. Learn how chemists have revolutionized everything from packaging to food production and how specially designed metal alloys are put to work in a wide range of jobs including bridge building, cookware, and the minting of coins. Readers will also explore the history of some of the most important man-made construction materials, from plaster and concrete to super-efficient building insulation.