This text treats the important properties of the three primary types of materials--metals, ceramics, and polymers--as well as composites, and the relationships that exist between the structural elements of these materials and their properties. Emphasis is placed on mechanical behavior and failure including, techniques that are employed to improve the mechanical and failure characteristics in terms of alteration of structural elements. Furthermore, individual chapters discuss each of corrosion, electrical, thermal, magnetic, and optical properties. New and cutting-edge materials are also discussed.

Even if an instructor does not have a strong materials background (i.e., is from mechanical, civil, chemical, or electrical engineering, or chemistry departments), he or she can easily teach from this text. The material is not at a level beyond which the students can comprehend--an instructor would not have to supplement in order to bring the students up to the level of the text. Also, the author has attempted to write in a concise, clear, and organized manner, using terminology that is familiar to the students.

Extensive student and instructor resource supplements are also provided.