July 2026:

Six members chose their favourite element in the Periodic Table of Elements and each gave a short talk to the group.

First up was Hydrogen, which has been promoted as a potential replacement for natural gas in domestic gas boilers, with discussion of its possibility and practicality.  

An interest in Lithium began in childhood with memories of the mythical dilithium crystals which featured in many episodes of Star Trek. In later years, salts of Lithium were found to be important ingredients in rapid strengthening cement mixtures for repairing airport runways and in rechargeable batteries. 

Titanium is a lightweight but strong metal with unique properties that make Titanium alloys suitable for use in aircraft, satellites, dental implants and hip replacements.

Iron was shown to be very important to our existence, from being a major part of blood to forming the earth’s magnetic field, which protects us from harmful cosmic radiation. The element is also used in the manufacture of steel, which is used throughout civil engineering.

Zinc is a relatively brittle metal, which combines with other metals to form alloys such as brass and Zamak.  It is an essential trace element for humans, animals and plants and the oxide is also used in calamine lotion and for treating dandruff.

Uranium has unique nuclear properties and is used in nuclear power plants because it is the only naturally occurring element with a fissile isotope – uranium-235 – present in non-trace amounts.

Everyone found the talks informative and entertaining.  During the session we also had a short quiz on the elements of the Periodic Table.