The Encyclopdedia of Materials Science and Engineering has been hailed as "animportant reference source for all scientists and engineers involved with the properties, processingand uses of materials, and especially for teachers of courses in the materials field" (Nature); as"most suitable for a collection whose audience requires a broad yet detailed knowledge of the field"(Physics Today); and as "a beautifully produced encyclopedia on a topic with broad applications inall areas of engineering and physics" (American Reference Books Annual).Under the direction ofProfessor Robert Cahn a distinguished editorial board has commissioned over 100 new articles thatrevise and extend original material from the Encyclopedia and review newly emerging areas ofresearch.Robert W. Cahn is Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy at theUniversity of Cambridge. Copublished with Pergamon Press.