For all kinds of materials, phase transformations show common phenomena and mechanisms, and often turn a material, e. g. metals, multiphase alloys, ceramics or composites, into its technological useful form. The physics and thermodynamics of a transformation from the solid to liquid state or from one crystal form to another are therefore essential for creating high-performance materials. This handbook covers phase transformations, a general phenomenon central to understanding the behavior of materials and for creating high-performance materials. It is the revised and enhanced edition of the renowned book edited by the late P. Haasen in 1990 (Vol. 5, Materials Science and Technology).
