This book was brought to fruition by the efforts of many individuals. We would like to thank all of them, beginning with the editor and the publication staff of ASTM International, especially Dr. George Totten who has encouraged us to publish our research achievements in this monograph, and Kathy Dernoga and Monica Siperko who have given us guidance and assistance from the outset of the venture. In addition, we wish to convey appreciation to the authors who have devoted considerable time, energy, and resources to support this endeavor. We are also grateful to the reviewers of the various chapters who, through their suggestions, permitted good manuscripts to be made better.