05/6/2008 -
Physical Metallurgy & Advanced Materials, 7th Edition (2007)
by R.E. Smallman and A.H.W. Ngan
ISBN 978 0 7506 6906 1. Elsevier. 650 pages. $79.95.
The book covers almost the entire range of metallurgical fundamentals including lattice structures, phase equilibria, crystal defects, characterization and analysis, physical properties, mechanical properties, strengthening mechanisms, advanced alloys, oxidation, surface treatment, and non-metallics (ceramics, glass, polymers, composites). And this probably is the weakest aspect of the book. Each chapter includes questions to give the reader an opportunity to apply the scientific knowledge gained. This gives the book a textbook context. However, the breadth of material covered forces the authors to present the material in a handbook style. I am not sure the book does justice to either format completely.
I found the last chapter of the book most interesting. The chapter titled “Case examination of biomaterials, sports materials and nanomaterials” examines several areas that have emerged as technologically significant. Such areas include the successful applications of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites for biomaterials used in medicine and sports equipment. In case of biomaterials, in addition to dealing with physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of materials, one has to deal with biocompatibility. Additional complications arise when the materials have to be bioactive (stimulates bonding to the surrounding tissue) or biodegradable rather than inert.
Bio-nanotechnology is further specialization of biomaterials with nanostructures. These include carbon nanotubes in an ultra-sensitive DNA detector, release of drug molecules controlled by nanoporous membranes with pores marginally larger than the drug molecules, and surface nanoreceptors to provide drug release specifically to damaged tissues. Diabetes is an example where the aim is to implant drugs beneath the skin for delivery as needed to maintain a steady blood glucose level.
The hard-covered book is generally of high quality except for the fact that pages 363 to 386 are bound upside down and the page numbers, therefore, are also out of order.
The hard-covered book is generally of high quality except for the fact that pages 363 to 386 are bound upside down and the page numbers, therefore, are also out of order.
For more on Physical Metallurgy & Advanced Materials, 7th Edition, visit the Elsevier web site. |
