Introduces the fundamentals of ceramics, with an emphasis on solid-state physics and chemistry. The first nine chapters deal with bonding, structure, and the physical and chemical properties that are influenced mostly by the type of bonding rather than the microstructure, such as defect structure and the atomic and electronic transport in ceramics. The next set of chapters deal with properties that are more microstructure-dependent, such as fracture toughness, optical, magnetic, and dielectric properties. A separate chapter deals with the science of sintering and microstructural development. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.