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Tailoring the properties and structure of ceramic materials to their specific functions in devices and equipment, and also the development of adequate processing require a deep understanding of the relationships between composition and properties. The multiformity of actual ceramic materials and the diversity of these unique properties make this task difficult, especially for undergraduate students and the growing number of engineers of various backgrounds who are entering the fascinating field of high tech ceramics. This volume specialises, amongst other things, in the structure of crystalline and amorphous ceramic phases, surfaces and interfaces, it also reviews the morphology of polycrystals, multiphase materials (including composites), fibrous, and dispersed ceramic systems. The second part deals with the response of all these forms of ceramic materials to mechanical loads, heat, aggressive environments, and to electromagnetic fields. Thus most of their important properties are covered. In both parts suggestions for further reading are given. The third part comprises selective tables of data on the properties of ceramic materials.