The right expert witnesses and consulting experts can make your case. That’s why we have spent so many hours over the past quarter century making sure our clients have just the right expert team — whether one expert or many, early-stage advice or expert reports and testimony. Across over 50,000 expert search assignments, we have honed a unique, customized approach to identifying, analyzing and connecting with expert talent so you can focus on winning your case.
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Materials Expert Witnesses
Materials choices determine whether buildings stay watertight, pavements last, castings hold, coatings protect, and products survive their service environments, so material performance disputes arise across construction, manufacturing, energy, and consumer goods supply chains. Owners and contractors litigate failed curtain walls, windows, and glazing systems, transportation agencies and paving contractors contest asphalt and concrete performance, and manufacturers pursue suppliers of castings, powder-metal parts, resins, coatings, and textiles that fall short of specification. Energy companies investigate failures of pipelines and pressure-control equipment, and companies litigate trade secrets and patents covering coating chemistries, film laminations, and fiber technologies. In each matter, the central question is whether the material, as specified, processed, and installed, performed as the contract, standard, or intellectual property at issue required.
A materials expert answers that question through inspection, sampling, laboratory testing, and analysis of the processing and installation record, examining composition, microstructure, mechanical and durability properties, and failure surfaces. That work can show whether a failure stemmed from the material itself, from processing defects such as improper casting or sintering, from design choices that placed the material under unsuitable conditions, or from installation and maintenance practices. In intellectual property disputes, the expert compares formulations and processes to determine whether a product practices protected technology or reflects misappropriated know-how. Those findings support warranty, indemnity, contract, and infringement claims, define the scope of repairs and replacements for damages, and give counsel a technical basis for rebutting an opposing expert's failure theory.
Materials disputes can involve metals, polymers, coatings, construction materials, textiles, and biomaterials, so the right expert is one whose testing and industry experience matches the material and application at issue. The scientists and engineers we present include a materials pioneer whose research on solidification forms the engineering foundation for casting and continuous casting worldwide and who has testified on defective castings, a coatings chemist who has testified on phenolic materials, coatings, and trade secrets, and a glass and curtain wall specialist who has authored more than 50 articles and testified on water leaks and glass failure. Our network also includes a metallurgist who has participated in forensic investigations of failed blowout preventers, an asphalt and pavement materials expert who has testified on recycled materials and polymerized asphalt, a textile engineer who has testified in patent litigation, and a plastics researcher recognized with a National Science Foundation CAREER award. Round Table Group has completed more than 75,000 expert searches for litigators, and you can begin the search for the right materials expert by calling us at (202) 908-4500.
Here are a few of our favorite Materials Expert Witnesses:
Washington Composite structures, materials Expert #7165
I have 20 years of experience, and specialize in the field of electrical engineering and 3 years of academic experience in Structural Engineering with specific knowledge in the areas of communications, steel, concrete, composite structures and smart structures and materials. I have testified on medical imaging systems, devices and safety. I am a consummate electrical and structural engineer.
New Jersey Materials, Fiber, Biomaterials Expert #16669
I have 40 years of experience, and specialize in the field of material science with specific knowledge in the areas of fiber science, biomaterials and high performance materials. I have published on such topics as fiber science, biomaterials and high performance polymers.
Louisiana Polymer, Materials, Biomaterials Expert #17205
I have 10 years of experience, and specialize in the field of polymer chemistry with specific knowledge in the areas of polymer synthesis, polymer characterization and medically relevant polymer. I have published on such topics as polymer synthesis, polymer properties and polymer degradation.
California Nanotechnology, Materials Expert #19272
I have 10 years of experience and specialize in the field of material science, with specific knowledge of nanotechnology, surface science and thin films. I have published on such topics as creating biosensing surfaces, constructing nano-assemblies and investigating self-assembly.
Maryland Seminconductors, Materials Expert #20455
I have 15 years of experience, and specialize in the field of solid state and material physics with specific knowledge in the areas of superconductivity, semiconductors and magnetic materials. I have published on such topics as condensed matter, atomic and molecular physics and material physics. I have two PhD degrees and I was offered a professor job before the age of 30. I am now a tenured professor where I lead a large research group. I have authored and co-authored more than 60 articles in premiere professional physics journals.
Your Case Deserves The Best Materials Expert Witnesses
Ohio Materials, Safety Expert #20861
I have 35 years of experience in the field of mechanical engineering with specific knowledge of CAD/CAM/CAE, manufacturing and quality.
Illinois Materials Expert #21408
I have 17 years of experience in the field of mechanical engineering, with specific knowledge of mechanics, materials and reliability. I have published on such topics as fracture mechanics and stability.
Indiana Efficiency, Processes, Materials Expert #22325
I have 24 years of experience and specialize in the field of industrial engineering, with specific knowledge of process improvement, facility and tooling design, and facilities improvement.
Pennsylvania Metals, Metallurgy, Materials Expert #27099
I have 20 years of experience and specialize in the field of materials, with specific knowledge of sintering, metal injection moulding (MIM) and powders. I have published on such topics as sintering, MIM and powders.
California Toxicology, Chemicals, Materials Expert #30116
I have 30 years of experience, and specialize in the field of chemistry with specific knowledge in the areas of toxic materials, hazardous materials, explosions and Fires. I have published on such topics as health effects of carbon monoxide, health effects of nuclear fuel and other energy sources and ammonium per chlorate the main ingredient in solid rocket fuel. I have testified 8 times on topics such as carbon monoxide poisoning, adequacy of indoor lighting in the case of a fall and gasoline leaks and the health effect from the leak.
Colorado Materials, Corrosion Expert #31224
I have 23 years of experience, and specialize in the field of materials engineering with specific knowledge in the areas of materials processing, corrosion and waste recycling. I have published on such topics as thin films and coatings, corrosion and non-destructive testing. I have testified on corrosion failure of gas tank, failure of aircraft landing gear.
Massachusetts Materials, Metal Processing Expert #31285
I have 50 years of experience, and specialize in the field of materials with specific knowledge in the areas of metals and ceramics, materials processing and casting. I have published on such topics as casting, solidification and invention. I have testified on defective castings and casting manufacture. My basic research studies on solidification comprise the engineering foundation employed today throughout the world in control of casting, continuous casting, crystal growing and other industrial processes involving solidification.
Nebraska Education, Nano, Materials Expert #31862
I have 10 years of experience, and specialize in the field of organic chemistry with specific knowledge in the areas of molecular detection, characterization and analysis of organic and bioorganic compounds. I have published on such topics as chirality, enantioseparation, circular dichroism, molecular switching and abused narcotic detection.
Illinois Chemicals, Oil, Materials Expert #34893
I have 40 years of experience, and specialize in the field of chemistry and coatings with specific knowledge in the areas of phenol materials, urethanes and oil field prop pants. I have published on such topics as foundry binders, urethanes and molding compounds. I have testified on coatings, phenol materials and trade secrets.
South Carolina Construction, Materials Expert #35037
I have 25 years of experience, and specialize in the field of construction materials with specific knowledge in the areas of asphalt, concrete and pavement design. I have published on such topics as properties of asphalt materials, utilization of recycling materials and life cycle cost of pavements. I have testified on use of recycled materials, pavement design issues and polymerized asphalt.
California Polymers, Materials, Plastic Expert #36301
I have 18 years of experience, and specialize in the field of physics of nanomaterials with specific knowledge in the areas of polymer self-assembly, biomimetic materials and computational science. I have published on such topics as applications of dendrimers to drug delivery, mechanical properties of polymer brushes and electrostatic interactions in micelles.
Materials, Corrosion, Failure Expert #39843
I have 30 years of experience, and specialize in the field of engineering failure with specific knowledge in the areas of materials, metallurgy and corrosion. I have published on such topics as metallurgy, engineering failure and maintenance. I have testified on engineering failure, corrosion and metallurgy. I have designed and managed innovative industry and academia postgraduate courses.
Ceramics, Materials Expert #41742
I have 30 years of experience, and specialize in the field of materials with specific knowledge in the areas of ceramics both modern and traditional, development of new materials and testing their behavior. I have published on such topics as science of ceramics, ceramic hardness, hydrogen storage and the hydrogen economy.
Colorado Systems Engineering, Materials Expert #42433
I have 30 years of experience, and specialize in the field of systems and mechanical engineering with specific knowledge in the areas of systems, materials and experimentation. I have published on such topics as materials solidification, experimental methods and thermo fluidmechanics.
Illinois Materials, Durability, Polymers Expert #43445
I have 35 years of experience, and specialize in the field of materials durability with specific knowledge in the areas of polymers, coatings and lamination. I have published on such topics as outdoor durability, material applications and packaging. I have testified on patent applicability to a film lamination, suitability for use of a polymer bottle and issues surrounding a film treatment patent. The breadth of my experiences surprises even me.
Illinois Materials, Organic, Chemistry Expert #43807
I have 15 years of experience, and specialize in the field of chemistry with specific knowledge in the areas of organic materials, liquid crystals and molecular conductors. I have published on such topics as liquid crystals, organic LEDs and chemical education. I have testified on water treatment processes.
Pennsylvania Plastics, Polymers, Materials Expert #45678
I have 15 years of experience, and specialize in the field of plastics with specific knowledge in the areas of thin films, coatings and nanomaterials. I have published on such topics as thin films, coatings and nanomaterials. I have been awarded the National Science Foundation Career Award, a highly competitive award that recognizes and supports research of young investigators.
New Jersey Materials, Poisons and Toxins Expert #46768
I have 30 years of experience, and specialize in the field of industrial hygiene with specific knowledge in the areas of mold, indoor air quality, exposure assessment, remediation and mitigation. I have testified 10 times on topics such as mold, indoor air quality, asbestos, chemical exposures, remediation, mitigation and cost estimating.
Clothing, Materials, Fibers Expert #46910
I have 27 years of experience, and specialize in the field of textile engineering with specific knowledge in the areas of fibers, yarns and fabrics. I have published on such topics as cotton ginning and fiber and textile testing and processing. I have testified 6 times on topics such as clothing and textile construction, forensics and patent litigation. I am best known for my commitment to undergraduate education. I have received numerous honors and awards related to undergraduate education and served as Interim Associate Dean.
Ohio Nano, Engineering, Materials Expert #46911
I have 9 years of experience, and specialize in the field of biomaterials with specific knowledge in the areas of nanobiomaterials, cellular responses to biomaterials and drug delivery. I have published on such topics as biocompatibility, drug delivery and applied immunology.
Illinois Water, Testing, Materials Expert #47997
I have 30 years of experience, and specialize in the field of construction with specific knowledge in the areas of glass, windows and curtain walls. I have published on such topics as water leaks, window condensation and window testing. I have testified 6 times on topics such as construction defects, water leaks and glass failure. I have authored over 50 in-depth articles about my field of expertise.
Ohio Metals, Materials, Engineering Expert #48114
I have 10 years of experience, and specialize in the field of metallurgy with specific knowledge in the areas of fracture mechanics, stress analysis and corrosion. I have published on such topics as stress corrosion cracking, pipeline integrity and galvanic corrosion. I have participated in forensic investigations of failed blow-out preventers from oil spills.
North Carolina Metals, Metallurgy, Materials Expert #48243
I have 40 years of experience, and specialize in the field of metal fabrication and installation with specific knowledge in the areas of welding and materials selection. I have published on such topics as using mechanical engineers and pipe weld quality. I have testified on weld quality. I believe there is always something new to learn.
Put Our Materials Expert Network to Work for You
Our huge network of experts – eminent university professors and practitioners who have achieved renown as thought leaders in their fields – combined with unparalleled research capabilities puts the experts you need at your disposal when and where you need them.
If you’re a litigator or general counsel, we want to put this network to work for you and your clients. Let us know how we can help by calling us at (202) 908-4500 or filling out the form on this page. We’re so confident you’ll love what we do that unless you retain an expert we present there’s no charge!
Questions Attorneys Ask About Materials Expert Witnesses:
As soon as a material failure, performance shortfall, or composition dispute emerges, and before evidence is removed, repaired, or destroyed. Early involvement allows the expert to document field conditions, recommend sampling and preservation protocols, and propose joint testing procedures that protect against spoliation disputes. In intellectual property matters, early input helps counsel frame claim construction around how processing affects material properties.
A materials expert can evaluate composition and microstructure, mechanical, thermal, and durability properties, corrosion and weathering, failure mechanisms, casting, sintering, welding, and coating processes, and conformance with specifications and industry standards. The expert can also assess installation and maintenance practices for construction materials and compare formulations and processes in patent and trade secret disputes. The appropriate scope depends on the material class, application, and legal theory.
Counsel should match the expert's specialty to the material and application, whether metals and castings, polymers and coatings, construction materials and building envelopes, textiles, or biomaterials. Laboratory capability, industry experience with comparable products, peer-reviewed publications, and familiarity with the applicable test standards all strengthen credibility. Experience explaining test methodology and evidence handling under cross-examination is particularly valuable.
On liability, the expert establishes the material properties and processing required by the specification, standard, or patent and shows where the product or installation departed from them. On causation, the expert traces a failure to the material, processing, design, installation, or service conditions, which often allocates responsibility among supplier, manufacturer, contractor, and owner. Those findings define repair, replacement, and lost-profit damages, and on rebuttal the expert can expose analyses based on unrepresentative samples or inapplicable test methods.
Round Table Group begins by working with counsel to define the case needs, including the material, the application, and the technical questions in dispute. We then source and speak with potential candidates, assessing whether their laboratory, industry, and testimony experience bears directly on the evidence. After confirming interest and availability and performing conflict checks, we present qualified options to counsel for review and selection.
GET STARTED FINDING THE RIGHT EXPERT WITNESS
Spend your time working with your experts, not searching for them! We're here to de-stress the process of having a great expert witness team so that it’s easy to have the right experts every time. We'll conduct a quick but thorough search and deliver a roster of top candidates for you to review. There's no charge for the custom search — you pay only the hourly rate if you retain one of our experts.
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Materials Workshops
A few of the courses and workshops led by our Materials experts:
- Energy Applications of Magnetic Materials
- Introduction to Scanning Electron Microscopy for Materials
- Surface Engineering of Structural Alloys