Book excerpt: A comprehensive reference on the properties, selection, processing, and applications of the most widely used nonmetallic engineering materials. Section 1, General Information and Data, contains information applicable both to polymers and to ceramics and glasses. It includes an illustrated glossary, a collection of engineering tables and data, and a guide to materials selection. Sections 2 through 7 focus on polymeric materials--plastics, elastomers, polymer-matrix composites, adhesives, and sealants--with the information largely updated and expanded from the first three volumes of the Engineered Materials Handbook. Ceramics and glasses are covered in Sections 8 through 12, also with updated and expanded information. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR