"Materials science is a recent discipline that has been transformed in recent decades and has allowed technology to advance by leaps and bounds," said Wenceslao González-Viñas, professor at the University of Navarra. Together with Héctor Mancini, also a professor at the academic center and director of high school of Physics, he is the author of An Introduction to Materials Science, published by Princeton University (USA) and publishing house Ariel.

Wenceslao González-Viñas explained that most of the texts that deal with this field are "really from Materials Engineering, where the why of things is often forgotten, or else books on solid state physics, where the mathematical load is excessive in relation to the intuitive knowledge involved". However, according to him, "the approach of the new published work is very different, without renouncing scientific rigor and completeness".

Liquid crystals and biocompatible materials

An Introduction to Materials Science is aimed at university students with a basic knowledge of Physics and Chemistry, and anyone interested in these topics. "It was initially intended for the subject required subject of Materials Science that I teach at licentiate degree at Chemistry, as its content fits perfectly with the knowledge that students are expected to acquire", highlighted Professor Wenceslao González-Viñas.

The publication combines theoretical expositions with practical exercises at the end of each chapter. It deals with crystalline solids and defects, and describes the electrical, mechanical and thermal properties of materials. It also addresses the phenomenon of superconductivity, polymers, and optical and amorphous materials. It also includes current topics such as liquid crystals, biocompatible materials and surface phenomena.