This text is designed for the introductory, one semester course in materials science or as a reference for professional engineers. It addresses what is essential for all engineers to know about the relationship between structure and properties as affected by processing in order to obtain all-important required performance. The organization of topics reflects this key interrelationship, and presents those topics in an order appropriate for students in an introductory course to build their own mental construct or hierarchy. Modern advances in polymers, ceramics, crystals, composites, semiconductors, etc. are discussed with an emphasis on applications in industry.
Part 1 : Structure
- Materials: Building Block for Engineers
- The Periodic Table of Elements: The Key to Understanding Atomic Bonding and Types of Materials
- Aggregation of Atoms: The Basis for Solid Materials
etc.
Part 2 : Properties
- Material Properties: The Response of a Solid Material's Structure to a Stimulus
- Mechanical Properties of Solids: A Material's Response to Loads or Forces
- Deformation Versus Fracture: Different Mechanical Responses to Stresses
etc.
Part 3 : Processing
- Using Processing to Improve the Mechanical Properties of Solids: Strengthening and Toughening Materials
- Alloy Phase Diagrams: Maps of Structure as Functions of Composition and Temperature
- Heat-Induced Transformations in Materials: Improving Properties by Controlled Solidification, Diffusion, or Heat Treatment
etc.
Part 4 : Performance
- Environmental Degradation of Materials: A Cost to Society
- The Evolution of Materials: Solving Problems and Embarking on New Frontiers