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Aluminum, magnesium, beryllium, titanium, titanium aluminides, engineering plastics, structural ceramics, and composites are the materials for which the book provides information on the properties, processing, and applications. A history of lightweight materials begins, pointing out that, except ceramics, none of them existed in a usable form until the 20th century. The chapters on metals describe the basic metallurgy, properties of the available alloys, processing, and applications. The chapter on engineering plastics points out how they differ from garden variety plastic, and the precautions that must be taken when they are used structurally. Composites are considered with polymer, metal, and ceramic matrices. A final chapter sets out selection guidelines. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)