Making the connection between reaction morphology and the thermodynamics and kinetics of the surface reaction is a key strength of Young’s book. To establish this connection, Young frequently makes effective use of diffusion paths on equilibrium phase diagrams together with a sound and clear coverage of relevant theories and continuum models. To that end, the book does not delve much into the atomistic aspects of the oxidation process, but instead focuses primarily on chemical kinetics and defect-based diffusion processes associated with scaling and subsurface degradation. Accordingly, the book gives only cursory coverage of nucleation and subsequent two-dimensional growth to thin films, which are more the domain of surface science studies.

Young’s book is logically arranged in such a way that the sequence of chapters builds in system complexity. Following a general overview in Chapter 1, Chapter 2 provides a lengthy but useful review of the thermodynamic and kinetic basics which underpin oxidation theory. Chapter 3 analyzes the reaction between pure metals and single oxidant gases. This chapter is followed by a chapter on metal reactions with mixed oxidant gases and then, in Chapters 5-7, an examination of alloy reactions with a single oxidant. It is in Chapters 3-7 that Young covers Carl Wagner’s various theories on metal and alloy oxidation in a manner that is both clear and insightful. Numerous examples from experimental studies are provided to support Wagner’s theories or, equally as important, to highlight limitations. In alignment with the arrangement of the book, “increasing system complexity is accompanied by a weakening in theoretical completeness.” It is a complexity that stems from multicomponent effects and from microstructural factors. Even so, Young shows that Wagner’s theories can often provide a useful analytical basis for quantitative prediction. The pedagogical manner by which Young shows this is a laudable feature of the book.

The book then transitions to detailed treatments of corrosion by sulfur (Chapter 8), carbon (Chapter 9) and water vapor (Chapter 10). These treatments maintain a sound fundamental basis, which is a hallmark of the book. Further, each treatment is very well referenced, with key earlier and more recent studies cited. A particular strength of these treatments is the coverage given to the complications arising from complex gas phase chemistries and generally slow homogeneous gas phase reactions. Here, experimentalists can benefit from Young’s experience and expertise in reaction kinetics. For instance, in discussing the behavior of gas mixtures, Young shows the necessity to consider the role of catalysts, including the exposed alloy itself and its reaction product. It emerges that not only the gas phase, but also the gas-solid interface can be far removed from local equilibrium. Nowhere is this more clearly exemplified than with catastrophic ‘‘metal dusting’’ corrosion caused by carbon-supersaturated gases. In the case of water vapor being a reactant, Young provides a convincing case that the complexity is due to the multiple ways in which water molecules can interact with oxides.

One of the last chapters of the book is concerned with oxidation under thermal cycling conditions. Here, the coverage is fairly basic, but it is also sufficiently complete. As Young correctly points out, there is a need for development of more predictive descriptions of the relationship between spallation propensity, alloy properties and exposure conditions. As it stands, current treatments are essentially limited to combining diffusion modeling with empirical-based scale-spallation models; however, lifetime prediction remains elusive.

The final chapter of Young’s book (Chapter 12) is concerned with distilling the fundamental understandings developed in the previous chapters and applying that understanding to the design of high-temperature alloys. It would be too much to ask for this chapter to fully live up to its billing, but it does provide useful insight into a number of likely technological changes that will require improved alloy corrosion resistance.

A constant theme in the book is the use of theory to predict or at least rationalize experimental measurements. This emphasis on quantitative calculation is a real strength, adding significantly to the book’s value. Although written and structured as a text book, High Temperature Corrosion and Oxidation of Metals develops its analysis to the level of a research monograph. Thus the book will be of value to both graduate students and established researchers in the field. Quite simply, this outstanding book is an essential reference for anyone involved in scientific aspects associated with high temperature corrosion.