Its ability to manipulate materials has implications for numerous products including body armour.

Most chemical processes can be studied directly in a laboratory, using a series of (often well-tested) techniques for manipulating materials, as well as an understanding of the underlying processes.

His work has led to new techniques for fabricating and manipulating materials at the nano scale level, including functional device structures for microelectronics, optics and chemical sensing.

As a field of study, it covers the human ability to shape and change the physical world to meet needs, by manipulating materials and tools with techniques.