Introduction to the Physics and Chemistry of Materials by Robert J. Naumann is an English-language textbook that focuses on the core concepts of materials science. The book is intended for students in higher education and provides a solid foundation for further study in this field.
This textbook covers the structure and properties of materials and their applications across various sectors. The first semester includes topics such as chemical bonding, crystal structure, mechanical properties, phase transitions, and materials processing. The second semester focuses on thermal, electronic, photonic, optical, and magnetic properties. Quantum mechanics is made accessible with a simple introduction to the Schrödinger equation and the electron-in-a-box model.
The author places materials science in a historical context and discusses important distribution functions such as Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac. In addition, the book addresses current developments, including bulk metallic glass materials, superconductors, organic electronics, and polymers. This title is a practical and thorough reference work for students who want to build knowledge in the physics and chemistry of materials.
Relevant topics include, among others, condensed matter physics, materials science, and electronic materials in technology and engineering.