The present issue of Structure and Bonding is dedicated to applied group 13 chemistry, particularly for the elements boron and aluminum, and to a lesser degree gallium and indium. Although boron is a trace element (0.01 g kg 1) in the earth's crust, it has been concentrated in a few locations by geochemical processes and is relatively easy to mine as borax. Aluminum, on the other hand, is the most abundant metal in the earth's crust (82 g kg 1) and dispersed widely throughout the globe. Thus, boron and aluminum are readily available and their associated products or compounds are usually inexpensive and thereby easy to commercialize. The chapters were chosen to encompass both applied and fundamental aspects of their subiects. The first chapter 'Borates in Industrial Use' provides a complete, and perhaps, quintessential, coverage of compounds containing boron oxygen bonds. In the chapter Schubert explains the close relationship between the basic properties of the boron compounds and their associated uses. The remaining four chapters focus, to some degree, on aluminum. Since a great deal of literature exists in this area, these chapters are more focused on areas of emerging utility, and contain a great deal of fundamental information. Uhl's contribution in Chapter 2 provides basic synthesis and structural information for aluminum and gallium hydrazides. These types of compounds are being explored as potential molecular precursors to metal nitrides such as the important blue green laser material gallium nitride.

The present issue of Structure and Bonding is dedicated to applied group 13 chemistry, particularly for the elements boron and aluminum, and to a lesser degree gallium and indium. Although boron is a trace element (0.01 g kg 1) in the earth's crust, it has been concentrated in a few locations by geochemical processes and is relatively easy to mine as borax. Aluminum, on the other hand, is the most abundant metal in the earth's crust (82 g kg 1) and dispersed widely throughout the globe. Thus, boron and aluminum are readily available and their associated products or compounds are usually inexpensive and thereby easy to commercialize. The chapters were chosen to encompass both applied and fundamental aspects of their subiects. The first chapter 'Borates in Industrial Use' provides a complete, and perhaps, quintessential, coverage of compounds containing boron oxygen bonds. In the chapter Schubert explains the close relationship between the basic properties of the boron compounds and their associated uses. The remaining four chapters focus, to some degree, on aluminum. Since a great deal of literature exists in this area, these chapters are more focused on areas of emerging utility, and contain a great deal of fundamental information. Uhl's contribution in Chapter 2 provides basic synthesis and structural information for aluminum and gallium hydrazides. These types of compounds are being explored as potential molecular precursors to metal nitrides such as the important blue green laser material gallium nitride.

Recent advances in adhesive technology have led to a rapid growth in the use of adhesives in load-bearing joints in civil engineering applications such as buildings and bridges. In many cases, the use of adhesives can prove more convenient, less expensive, stronger, and more durable than traditional methods of joining. This book provides for a complete and clear introduction to the use of adhesives to form load-bearing joints in bridges, civil engineering and building structures. The first part of this book addresses the crucial factors involved in the formation of a successful adhesive joint, including adhesive selection, surface preparation, joint design, fabrication and protection from the environment. The second part of the book describes the growing uses of adhesives to repair and strengthen existing structures, in addition to describing their use in new constructions and applications that are now being developed for the future. The connection between the two parts of the book is brought out wherever possible so that the links between theory and practice are emphasized. The book gives the reader all the information required to fully exploit the economic and technical advantages of adhesives over conventional methods. Professional civil and structural engineers in higher education and industry will find this book an invaluable source of information on a technology of increasing importance.

Recent advances in adhesive technology have led to a rapid growth in the use of adhesives in load-bearing joints in civil engineering applications such as buildings and bridges. In many cases, the use of adhesives can prove more convenient, less expensive, stronger, and more durable than traditional methods of joining. This book provides for a complete and clear introduction to the use of adhesives to form load-bearing joints in bridges, civil engineering and building structures. The first part of this book addresses the crucial factors involved in the formation of a successful adhesive joint, including adhesive selection, surface preparation, joint design, fabrication and protection from the environment. The second part of the book describes the growing uses of adhesives to repair and strengthen existing structures, in addition to describing their use in new constructions and applications that are now being developed for the future. The connection between the two parts of the book is brought out wherever possible so that the links between theory and practice are emphasized. The book gives the reader all the information required to fully exploit the economic and technical advantages of adhesives over conventional methods. Professional civil and structural engineers in higher education and industry will find this book an invaluable source of information on a technology of increasing importance.