Introduction to the Physics and Chemistry of Materials

University of Alabama, Huntsville, USA

• Introduction to Materials Science. Fundamental Principles. Chemical Bonding. Crystals and Crystallography. The Structure of Matter. Reciprocal Lattice and X-Ray Diffraction. Theory of Elasticity. Defects in Crystals. Mechanical Properties of Materials. Composites. Phase Equilibria in Single Component Systems. Phase Equilibria in Multicomponent Systems. Alloy Solidification. Transformation Kinetics. Distribution Functions. Lattice Vibrations and Phonons. Thermal Properties of Solids. Free Electrons in Metals. Band Theory of Metals. Semiconductors. Theory and Applications of Junctions. Transistors, Quantum Wells, and Superlattices. Dielectrics and the Dielectric Function. Optical Properties of Materials. Magnetism and Magnetic Materials. Superconductivity. Index.

... varies from the majority of available course resources on materials science and engineering for undergraduate engineering students, which cover a wide range of topics that ultimately converge on engineering design. … focuses on the solid-state physics and chemistry of materials at the graduate level. …well-written …. Graduate students, primarily those specializing in electronic materials, as well as faculty and practitioners will benefit tremendously from this book. Comprehensive index … . Summing Up: Highly recommended.– T.Z. Kattamis, University of Connecticut, writing in CHOICE Current Reviews for Academic Libraries, July 2009, Vol. 46, No.11 This introductory text provides the background necessary for advanced studies in materials science by discussing the structure and properties of materials and their various applications. … The book has very good technical depth. Equations are clearly presented and problems are explained in detail to give the reader, especially those who have little background in quantum mechanics, a solid background in material science. … While the focus of this text is on the fundamental theory, many applications are presented in each chapter pertaining to the material covered in that chapter. … intended as an undergraduate course for materials science majors or for anyone interested in learning about the fundamentals of material. This text could serve as an excellent reference source for anyone who needs a basic and through understanding of fundamental material behavior.– IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine, November/December 2009 - Vol. 25, No.6