Complex metallic alloys (CMA) encompass a broad family of crystalline compounds made of metals, alloyed with other elements from the periodic table. As opposed to simple crystals, such as diamond and sodium chloride, CMAs possess a complicated microscopic structure that leads to unexpected novel physical and chemical properties. This makes them promising candidates for such applications as thermoelectric devices, scratchproof surfaces or CMA-reinforced structural materials for mechanical engineering.<br> Covering fundamental research as well as real-world applications, this first book on CMAs at an introductory level treats everything from atomistic details to surface processing. Comprehensive, self-contained chapters provide the latest knowledge on the most salient features of the topic, selected in terms of their relevance to potential technological applications. <br> From the contents:<br> * Physics of CMAs: theory and experiments<br> * Surface science of CMAs<br> * Metallurgy, preparation and processing, thin films<br> * Surface chemistry of CMAs<br> * Mechanical engineering properties <br> * Thermoelectricity<br> * Catalysis on intermetallic compounds<br> Edited by one of the most distinguished authorities on quasicrystals and this most important of their subclasses, the contributions elucidate aspects of CMAs from one particular viewpoint: physical and chemical characteristics in the sub-nanometer regime, mesoscale phenomena, preparation and processing of thin films, and large-scale engineering properties. The whole is rounded off by a look at the commercial potential of CMA-based applications.<br> For PhD students and lecturers alike.