The Encyclopedia of Advanced Materials (Volume 4)

In 1986 Michael Bever's Encyclopedia of Materials Science & Engineering defined the field of Materials Science. Since then research into how, by an adjustment to its molecular structure, the properties of a material can be adapted to perform specific applications has greatly increased. The Encyclopedia of Advanced Materials defines the limits of this new area of study, taking into account the many different views and perspectives encountered in research and thinking in the field, as well as emphasizing the multidisciplinary nature of the subject. Advanced Materials are defined as those where first consideration is given to the systematic synthesis and control of the structure of the material in order to provide a precisely tailored set of properties for demanding applications. Coverage includes: Advanced Ceramic Processing; Advanced Optical Materials and Displays; Composite Materials; Computer Modeling in Materials Science; Nanocrystalline Materials, Nanoelectronics; Semiconductor Processing; Ultramicroscopic Manipulation; Phase Equilibria and Transformations; Polymerization, Methods and Advanced Polymers. • Newly commissioned companion volumes to the renowned Encyclopedia of Materials Science & Engineering and its supplements. • Provides the first and only complete treatment of the synthesis, processing, theory and applications of all classes of advanced materials. • Covers all major developments in the field since the publication of The Encyclopedia of Materials Science & Engineering in 1986. • The definitive reference source for this emerging field of materials science. • Over 550 articles specifically designed for ease of use: contains extensive cross-referencing, a full index and bibliographies with each article. • Published complete in four volumes in October 1994.