Building on the extraordinary success of five best-selling editions, Bill Callister's new Sixth Edition of MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING: AN INTRODUCTION continues to promote student understanding through clear and concise writing and familiar terminology that is not beyond student comprehension. Topics are organized and explained in an approachable manner, so that even instructors who do not have a strong materials background can teach from this user-friendly text. The text treats the important properties of the three primary types of materials (metals, ceramics, and polymers) and composites, as well as the relationships that exist between the structural elements of materials and their properties. Throughout, the emphasis is on mechanical behavior and failure, including techniques that are employed to improve performance. Individual chapters discuss corrosion, electrical, thermal, magnetic, and optical properties, as well as new and cutting-edge materials. Table of Contents List of Symbols. Introduction. Atomic Structure and Interatomic Bonding. The Structure of Crystalline Solids. Imperfections in Solids. Diffusion. Mechanical Properties of Metals. Dislocations and Strengthening Mechanisms. Failure. Phase Diagrams. Phase Transformations in Metals: Development of Microstructure and Alteration of Mechanical Properties. Thermal Processing of Metal Alloys. Metals Alloys. Structures and Properties of Ceramics. Applications and Processing of Ceramics. Polymer Structures. Characteristics, Applications, and Processing of Polymers. Composites. Corrosion and Degradation of Materials. Electrical Properties. Thermal Properties. Magnetic Properties. Optical Properties. Materials Selection and Design Considerations. Economic, Environmental, and Societal Issues in Materials Science and Engineering. Appendix A: The International System of Units (SI). Appendix B: Properties of Selected Engineering Materials. Appendix C: Costs and Relative Costs for Selected Engineering Materials. Appendix D: Mer Structures for Common Polymers. Appendix E: Glass Transition and Melting Temperatues for Common Polymeric Materials. Glossary. Answers to Selected Problems. Index.