The study of materials and their properties forms an important area of
research. Christopher Hall introduces the field of material science
using gold, sand, and string - familiar things that represent the big
families of metals, ceramics, and polymers. By explaining their
properties, how materials are created, and the processes involved in
their fabrication into objects, he shows how materials science brings
together engineering and technology with physics, chemistry, and
biology. He also shows how materials influence communications, the
media, architecture, building, and the fine arts.
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