Materials of degradation studies - concerning corrosion, for example - have traditionally been divided into separate disciplines for each type of material. The control of materials degradation is usually studied as a separate topic, such as corrosion and paints. It is therefore difficult for a student to gain an overall view of the entire materials degradation problem with this scattered presentation of knowledge. This is a comprehensive review of the various forms of damage occurring in all significant engineering materials. It proceeds to discuss both traditional and modern technologies of surface engineering for combating materials degradation. Scientific concepts are illustrated graphically, wherever possible, by diagrams.