This textbook summarizes physical aspects of materials at atomic and molecular level, and discusses micro-structure of metals, alloys, ceramics and polymers. It further explains point defects, dislocations and surface imperfections, and the motions of atoms and molecular in solid state. As first volume in the set, it prepares students for further studies on phases and transitions which are discussed in the next volume.

This textbook illustrates one-component phase diagrams, binary equilibrium phase diagrams and ternary phase diagrams for ceramics, polymers and alloys by presenting case studies on preparation processes, and provides up-to-date information on nano-crystal materials, non-crystal materials and functional materials. As second volume in the set, it is an extension of the first volume on physical aspect of materials.