Diamond Thin Films An Emerging Technology Past Present And Future

Diamond, as well as being a precious gem, is a versatile material par excellence. No other material comes anywhere near to matching its properties, which are both extreme, and also expressed in rare combinations. However, natural diamonds, and those synthesised under high sandpressure temperatures, are too expensive or small for many technological applications. These limitations can be overcome by using large-area diamond coatings; chemically bonded to inexpensive non-diamond surfaces. The consequent economic advantages provide the driving force for much diamond-related research and technology.

This book presents the status quo of the structure, preparation, properties and applications of tetrahedrally bonded amorphous carbon (ta-C) films and compares them with related film systems. Tetrahedrally bonded amorphous carbon films (ta-C) combine some of the outstanding properties of diamond with the versatility of amorphous materials. The book compares experimental results with the predictions of theoretical analyses, condensing them to practicable rules. It is strictly application oriented, emphasizing the exceptional potential of ta-C for tribological coatings of tools and components.

This book covers the latest research on applications of nanomaterials in the field of energy systems and devices. It provides an overview of the state-of-art research in this rapidly developing field. It discusses the design and fabrication of nanostructured materials and their energy applications. Various topics covered include nanomaterials for perovskite solar cells, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) nanocomposites based supercapacitors, battery materials and technologies, major challenges toward development of efficient thermoelectric materials for energy efficient devices, extraction and experimentation of biodiesel produced from leachate oils of landfills coupled with nano-additives aluminium oxide and copper oxide on diesel engine and many more. It has contributions from world-renowned specialists in the fields of nanomaterials and energy devices. The book will be useful for students, researchers and professionals working in the area of nanomaterials and energy systems & devices.

Thin slab casting and direct rolling (TSDR) technologies are nowadays one of the most promising processing routes to maintain steel as a leading material in technological applications. Initially, this process was exclusively for the production of mild steels. As industrial experience and knowledge improved, a rapid expansion of the range of products took place with higher strength grades becoming an important part of the overall production. Actually, it is widely accepted as a route to produce high value grades and it can be considered as a technology which has reached a high degree of maturity. This book aims to provide an approach to the different metallurgical aspects involved in the application of thermomechanical treatments in the TSDR route.