UNDERSTANDING MATERIALS SCIENCE. : History, properties, applications

This introduction to materials science for students of engineering and physics and for the interested general public examines not only the physical and engineering properties of virtually all kinds of materials, but also their history, uses, development, and some of the implications of resource depletion and materials substitutions. It covers all topics normally taught in a one-semester course on materials, but from an entirely novel perspective: the role materials have played throughout history in the development of mankind and technologies. The text thus begins with a discussion of the first human uses of materials during the stone and copper--stone ages. It then turns to the fundamental mechanical properties of materials and mechanisms for changing these. The historical developments of the bronze age are used to introduce a treatment of the properties of alloys and compounds. Next, A discussion of the atomic basis of materials properties leads to discussions of the iron age, of the role of iron and steel in history and technology, and of the degradation of materials (corrosion and its prevention). The historical overview concludes with an explanation of the history and properties of electronic materials (electrical, magnetic, optical, and thermal). Finally, a perspective is given on the history, science and technology of glass, ceramics (stoneware, earthenware, porcelain, high-tech ceramics), natural fibers (wood, cotton, silk, etc.) and on synthetic plastics. The concluding chapters consider economic and environmental concerns(recycling, waste disposal, world resources, prices) and ask what does the future hold?

FROM THE REVIEWS:

CHOICE MAGAZINE "Hummel's coverage is similar to that of every good basic materials science book...However, Hummel goes one step further by incorporating far more of the historical development of materials through the ages. By showing how materials shaped civilization and advanced it at critical times, the author has created a book that should arouse the interest of readers. The history, properties and applications of materials that are woven into each chapter should be a good motivating force for learning. Ample referenced are included at the end of each chapter, as well as a summary and thought-provoking problems. General readers; undergraduates; two-year technical program students."

MRS BULLETIN "This is a first-class book...Hummel cunningly alternates scientific chapters with historical ones...He has succeeded admirably in rendering intrinsically complicated topics, such as polymerization, palatable, and digestible...This mix of proper science and respectable history is something new among the plethora of materials science books...As a first-level introduction to materials science I can recommend it unreservedly...Much will depend on the quality and dedication of the teachers who use this as a teaching-text: but really, they should try!"

IEEE ELECTRICAL INSULATION MAGAZINE "This book not only provides a thorough introduction into the science and engineering of materials but also covers historical aspects of materials. The interesting historical perspective traces the utilization, properties, and production techniques of materials from the Stone Age via the Bronze Age and the Iron Age up to modern times...This book was written for engineering, physics, and material science students who will this book an easily understandable and enjoyable introduction to the properties of materials and the fundamental theories that describe them...Practicing engineers without a materials science background who need to use material science techniques will find this book very useful for quickly gaining an overview of materials science."

PHYSICS TODAY "There is a real need for books like this, since a visit to any large bookstore will reveal very few popular science books that deal with the practical impacts of the enormous materials revolution that has defined and enabled our present technology era. Hummel tires - and succeeds - to relate the historical developments in the various materials eras (stone, bronze, iron, and electronic) to the principle defining features of the various classes of materials...An additional aspect of materials that is nicely covered in Hummel's book is the environmental and economic implications of society's use of materials. The discussions of world resources, the remaining supply of various materials and the fundamental underlying waste disposal and recycling will be fascinating to both the science student and the general reader."

PHYSICS WORLD "I have first to admit that this book is a remarkable achievement. For a work in which aesthetics is centrally important, the author (and more especially the publisher) should be congratulated on producing at a reasonable cost a book that pleases most of the senses...anyone who has the money to acquire and the time to read [this book] will gain much pleasure from a beautifully produced book, will enjoy looking at the illustrations, and obtain much instruction from the text."

Hummel teaches materials science at the University of Florida, where this book will presumably be used as a text. In his preface, however, he expresses the hope that his book will also attract a sizable readership from the humanities. Such readers would enjoy reading the historical sections, studying the color plates and at least skimming the more technical chapters to get a quick overview of the basic science of materials.