- Email: [email protected]
Anisotropy in single-crystal refractory compounds
BOOK REVIEWS
316 Anisotropy
in Single-Crystal Refractory Compounds. Edited by F. W. Vahldiek S. A. Mersol, published by Plenum Press, New York, 1968. Volume I, xix+405 volume 2, xi +493 pp. ; price : US $45.
and pp.;
These two volumes report the Proceedings of an International Symposium sponsored by the Ceramics and Graphite Branch of the Air Force Materials Laboratory, United States Air Force, held in June 1967 in Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A. Volume I contains four main sections on crystal structure and chemistry, electronic structure and bonding, non-stoichiometry and phase relations, and on physical-chemical properties. Volume 2 contains two sections, on defect structure andmechanicalproperties, respectively. The refractory oxides, carbides, borides, silicides and nitrides of the transition metals are primarily considered but to further the understanding of anisotropy some other metallic and non-metallic materials have been included. The properties and structures of refractory compounds have been extensively studied but further information is essential if these compounds are to be fully exploited in commercial applications. The Symposium has emphasised the gap in knowledge that still exists in the relationships between structural factors, such as dislocations and electronic crystal structure, and the bulk physical, chemical and mechanical properties of these compounds. The answer to such problems as how to make them more ductile, more resistant to shock, and capable of carrying greater loads may, as pointed out, lie in controlling such factors as stoichiometry, impurity content and electronic structure, particularly the latter. These considerations have been much to the fore in the deliberations of the Symposium and the numerous papers presented have been chosen with them very much in mind. In these papers efforts have been made to consider the principle parameters of anisotropy in relation to structure, bonding, departure from stoichiometry, and thermal and mechanical properties. In attempting to correlate structural factors with observed anisotropy much attention has been devoted to the influence of crystal imperfections, as, for instance, dislocations, twinning, andstacking faults. In all, 41 papers were presented; many of the 15 papers on mechanical properties included in volume 2 deal with specific materials. A cursory examination is sufficient to show that the papers have been written authoritatively and with due regard to the clearly stated objectives of the Symposium. Apart from the value of the papers themselves, the Symposium has pointed the directions that the further intensive research efforts required to elucidate the problems still outstanding might profitably follow. The presentation of the two volumes is excellent for its clarity and logicality of arrangement. Both volumes are adequately illustrated. The Editors deserve the highest commendation for their efforts which have culminated in the production of two most informative and attractive books. The inclusion of a subject index in each is most helpful and an indication of the thoroughness of the editing. The books can be unreservedly recommended to all interested in this important and topical subject, both as valuable reading matter and as a stimulus towards further research. J. W. C.
J. Less-Common
Metals,
I8 (1969)
314-318
316 Anisotropy
in Single-Crystal Refractory Compounds. Edited by F. W. Vahldiek S. A. Mersol, published by Plenum Press, New York, 1968. Volume I, xix+405 volume 2, xi +493 pp. ; price : US $45.
and pp.;
These two volumes report the Proceedings of an International Symposium sponsored by the Ceramics and Graphite Branch of the Air Force Materials Laboratory, United States Air Force, held in June 1967 in Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A. Volume I contains four main sections on crystal structure and chemistry, electronic structure and bonding, non-stoichiometry and phase relations, and on physical-chemical properties. Volume 2 contains two sections, on defect structure andmechanicalproperties, respectively. The refractory oxides, carbides, borides, silicides and nitrides of the transition metals are primarily considered but to further the understanding of anisotropy some other metallic and non-metallic materials have been included. The properties and structures of refractory compounds have been extensively studied but further information is essential if these compounds are to be fully exploited in commercial applications. The Symposium has emphasised the gap in knowledge that still exists in the relationships between structural factors, such as dislocations and electronic crystal structure, and the bulk physical, chemical and mechanical properties of these compounds. The answer to such problems as how to make them more ductile, more resistant to shock, and capable of carrying greater loads may, as pointed out, lie in controlling such factors as stoichiometry, impurity content and electronic structure, particularly the latter. These considerations have been much to the fore in the deliberations of the Symposium and the numerous papers presented have been chosen with them very much in mind. In these papers efforts have been made to consider the principle parameters of anisotropy in relation to structure, bonding, departure from stoichiometry, and thermal and mechanical properties. In attempting to correlate structural factors with observed anisotropy much attention has been devoted to the influence of crystal imperfections, as, for instance, dislocations, twinning, andstacking faults. In all, 41 papers were presented; many of the 15 papers on mechanical properties included in volume 2 deal with specific materials. A cursory examination is sufficient to show that the papers have been written authoritatively and with due regard to the clearly stated objectives of the Symposium. Apart from the value of the papers themselves, the Symposium has pointed the directions that the further intensive research efforts required to elucidate the problems still outstanding might profitably follow. The presentation of the two volumes is excellent for its clarity and logicality of arrangement. Both volumes are adequately illustrated. The Editors deserve the highest commendation for their efforts which have culminated in the production of two most informative and attractive books. The inclusion of a subject index in each is most helpful and an indication of the thoroughness of the editing. The books can be unreservedly recommended to all interested in this important and topical subject, both as valuable reading matter and as a stimulus towards further research. J. W. C.
J. Less-Common
Metals,
I8 (1969)
314-318