To use materials effectively, their composition, degree of perfection, physical and mechanical characteristics, and microstructure must be accurately determined. This concise encyclopledia covers the wide range of characterization techniques necessary to achieve this. Articles included are not only concerned with the characterization techniques of specific materials such as polymers, metals, ceramics and semiconductors but also techniques which can be applied to materials in general. The techniques described cover bulk methods, and also a number of specific methods to study the topography and composition of surface and near-surface regions. These techniques range from the well-established and traditional to the very latest including: atomic force microscopy; confocal optical microscopy; gamma ray diffractometry; thermal wave imaging; x-ray diffraction and time-resolved techniques. This unique concise encyclopedia comprises 116 articles by leading experts in the field from around the world to create the ideal guide for materials scientists, chemists and engineers involved with any aspect of materials characterization. With over 540 illustrations, extensive cross-referencing, approximately 900 references, and a detailed index, this concise encyclopedia will be a valuable asset to any materials science collection.

This reference book provides a comprehensive overview of the nature, manufacture, structure, properties, processing, and applications of commercially available polymers. The main feature of the book is the range of topics from both theory and practice, which means that physical properties and applications of the materials concerned are described in terms of the theory, chemistry and manufacturing constraints which apply to them. It will therefore enable scientists to understand the commercial implications of their work as well as providing polymer technologists, engineers and designers with a theoretical background. - Provides a comprehensive overview of commercially available polymers - Offers a unique mix of theory and application - Essential for both scientists and technologists

Encyclopedia of Materials: Composites provides a point-of-entry, foundational-level resource for all scientists and practitioners interested in this exciting field. All composite materials technologies, processes and applications are covered, with contributions written and expertly curated by the world's leading scientists. The result is a three-volume, comprehensive collection of the most important data, concepts and studies published in the field. This title is clearly structured in thematic sections, making it an invaluable tool for researchers in the fields of materials science, energy, engineering, chemistry and physics, and from both industry and academia. Provides a one-stop resource on current composite materials research, along with insights into future directions in the field Meticulously organized, with articles split into sections on key topics and clearly cross-referenced to allow students, researchers and professionals to find relevant information quickly and easily Written by academics and practitioners from various fields and regions, thus ensuring that the book's content is easily understood by, and applicable to, a large audience

This book explores the fascinating field of high-temperature superconductivity. Basic concepts–including experimental techniques and theoretical issues–are discussed in a clear, systematic manner. In addition, the most recent research results in the measurements, materials synthesis and processing, and characterization of physical properties of high-temperature superconductors are presented. Researchers and students alike can use this book as a comprehensive introduction not only to superconductivity but also to materials-related research in electromagnetic ceramics. Special features of the book: - presents recent developments in vortex-state properties, defects characterization, and phase equilibrium - introduces basic concepts for experimental techniques at low temperatures and high magnetic fields - provides a valuable reference for materials-related research - discusses potential industrial applications of high-temperature superconductivity - includes novel processing technologies for thin film and bulk materials - suggests areas of research and specific problems whose solution can make high-Tc superconductors a practical reality

The design and study of materials is a pivotal component to new discoveries in the various fields of science and technology. By better understanding the components and structures of materials, researchers can increase its applications across different industries. Materials Science and Engineering: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications is a compendium of the latest academic material on investigations, technologies, and techniques pertaining to analyzing the synthesis and design of new materials. Through its broad and extensive coverage on a variety of crucial topics, such as nanomaterials, biomaterials, and relevant computational methods, this multi-volume work is an essential reference source for engineers, academics, researchers, students, professionals, and practitioners seeking innovative perspectives in the field of materials science and engineering.

The development of electronic materials and particularly advances in semiconductor technology have played a central role in the electronics revolution by allowing the production of increasingly cheap and powerful computing equipment and advanced telecommunications devices. This Concise Encyclopedia, which incorporates relevant articles from the acclaimed Encyclopedia of Materials Science and Engineering as well as newly commissioned articles, emphasizes the materials aspects of semiconductors and the technologies important in solid-state electronics. Growth of bulk crystals and epitaxial layers are discussed in the volume and coverage is included of defects and their effects on device behavior. Metallization and passivation issues are also covered. Over 100 alphabetically arranged articles, written by world experts in the field, are each intended to serve as the first source of information on a particular aspect of electronic materials. The volume is extensively illustrated with photographs, diagrams and tables. A bibliography is provided at the end of each article to guide the reader to recent literature. A comprehensive system of cross-references, a three-level subject index and an alphabetical list of articles are included to aid readers in the abstraction of information.

The Concise Encyclopedia of Composite Materials provides a full and up-to-date account of composite materials, particularly fiber composites.

The Concise Encyclopedia of Composite Materials, first published as a hardbound edition in 1989, has been updated and revised and is now available as a paperback for individual researchers requiring a fundamental reference source for this dynamic field. Since 1989, research involving composite materials has advanced rapidly and this revised edition reflects those changes with the addition of new articles, including recent work on nanocomposites, smart composite materials systems, and metallic multilayers. The 67 articles included in this revised edition are presented in alphabetical order and each provides an introduction to one aspect of composite materials. Every article is extensively cross-referenced and includes a full bibliography. The volume contains over 250 photographs, drawings and tables as well as exhaustive subject and author indexes. The comprehensive breadth of coverage of the field of composite materials makes this volume an invaluable source of reference for materials scientists and mechanical engineers involved in industrial and academic research into the fabrication, properties and applications of composite materials.

Encyclopedia of Renewable and Sustainable Materials, Five Volume Set provides a comprehensive overview, covering research and development on all aspects of renewable, recyclable and sustainable materials. The use of renewable and sustainable materials in building construction, the automotive sector, energy, textiles and others can create markets for agricultural products and additional revenue streams for farmers, as well as significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, manufacturing energy requirements, manufacturing costs and waste. This book provides researchers, students and professionals in materials science and engineering with tactics and information as they face increasingly complex challenges around the development, selection and use of construction and manufacturing materials. Covers a broad range of topics not available elsewhere in one resource Arranged thematically for ease of navigation Discusses key features on processing, use, application and the environmental benefits of renewable and sustainable materials Contains a special focus on sustainability that will lead to the reduction of carbon emissions and enhance protection of the natural environment with regard to sustainable materials