Preface

Materials Science and Engineering encompasses all natural and man-made materials——their extraction, synthesis, processing, properties, characterization, and development for technological applications. Advanced engineering activities that depend upon optimized materials include the medical device and healthcare industries, the energy industries, electronics and photonics, transportation, advanced batteries and fuel cells, and nanotechnology. Professionals in materials science and engineering develop a fundamental understanding of materials at the nano, micro and macro scales, leading to specialization in such topics as: biomaterials; chemical and electrochemical materials science and engineering; computational materials science and engineering; electronic, magnetic and optical materials; and structural materials. As in the past, today’s materials advancements enables new technological breakthroughs across all engineering disciplines.

Structural Materials focus on the relationships between the chemical and physical structure of materials and their properties and performance. Regardless of the material class metallic, ceramic, polymeric or composite, an understanding of the structure-property relationships provides a scientific basis for developing engineering materials for advanced applications. Fundamental and applied research in structural materials responds to an ever-increasing demand for improved or better-characterized materials.

This book treats the important properties of seven primary types of materials——metals, ceramics, concrete, polymers, composite materials, semiconductors, as well as energy. Describes the relationships that exist between the structural elements of these materials and their characteristies. Emphasizes mechanical behavior and failure along with techniques used to improve the mechanical and failure properties in terms of alteration of structural elements. Individual chapters discuss each of the corrosion, electrical, thermal, magnetic, and optical properties plus economic, environmental, and societal issues. Features a design component which includes design examples, case studies, and design type problems and questions.

The author would like to acknowledge with appreciation the numerous and valuable comments, suggestions, constructive criticisms and praise from evaluators and reviewers.

Author

May 2017