New Materials

This is another in an admirable series on ‘21st-century Science’. After a brief historical introduction, a wide variety of modern materials is described, with clear indications of the connections between physical properties and atomic structure. The subject of material development is opened up in an intellectually exciting way. Metals, polymers, plastics, fibres, adhesives, ceramics and crystals are discussed. The singular importance of silicon for modern technology is explained. Future prospects, and problems which may arise from exhaustion of some materials, are considered. There are a glossary and an index, but no list of books to read or of websites to consult.