Nanoscopic Materials

In recent years there have been great advances in the development of new nanomaterials. To facilitate the progress of new materials it is essential to understand the underlying principles at the nanoscale. Nanoscopic Materials provides an accessible overview of the physico-chemical and physical principles of nanomaterials including electronic structure, magnetic properties, thermodynamics of size dependence and phase transitions and dynamics of clusters and two-dimensional systems. This new edition has been fully revised and updated to reflect recent developments in new nanomaterials including graphene and core–shell structures, properties of nano-structured and intelligent surfaces as well as applications in catalysis and energy. Additional chapters cover the development of nucleation and crystal shape engineering; self-assembly and biomimetics for fabricating nanostructures. With helpful illustrations and summaries of key points in every chapter, this advanced textbook is ideal for graduate students of chemistry and materials science and researchers new to the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology has been hailed as a key technology of the 21st century. The scope of this field is huge and could have a wide influence on many aspects of life. Nanoscience; the manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular level, and nanomaterials; materials so small that their behaviour and characteristics deviate from those of macroscopic specimens and may be predicted by scaling laws or by quantum confinement effects, are discussed in Nanoscopic Materials: Size - Dependent Phenomena. The book focuses on a qualitative and quantitative approach discussing all areas of nanotechnology with particular emphasis on the underlying physico-chemical and physical principles of nanoscience. Topics include electronic structure, magnetic properties, thermodynamics of size dependence and catalysis. There is also a section discussing the future potential of the field and the ethical implications of nanotechnology. The book is ideal for graduate students of chemistry and materials science and researchers new to the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

This book focuses on functional aspects of nanostructured materials that have a high relevance to immediate applications, such as catalysis, energy harvesting, energy storage, optical properties and surface functionalization via self-assembly. Additionally, there are chapters devoted to massive nanostructured materials and composites and covering basic properties and requirements of this new class of engineering materials. Especially the issues concerning stability, reliability and mechanical performance are mandatory aspects that need to be regarded carefully for any nanostructured engineering material.

At the present time, materials with dimensions in the range of microns to nanometers have become the prime objects of vigorous research activities of all over the world. The possibility of artificially creating novel materials with exotic and tailor made properties that are essential for future development in the frontier areas of electronics, photonics, spintronics etc has generated much interest in the study of these mesoscopic and nanoscopic materials. These materials also have the potential for wide ranging economically viable technological, industrial, engineering and bio-medical applications. They may consist of metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers, composites and biological materials; which are usually assembled at the atomic / molecular level to achieve new properties. Understanding the underlying science and characterization of these new materials with a view of harnessing their exotic properties is the prime focus of the researchers. These Proceedings address these issues relating to mesoscopic, nanoscopic and macroscopic materials.

Given its importance to consumer safety, fire resistant textiles are one of the fastest growing sectors in industrial textiles. Handbook of fire resistant textiles provides a comprehensive review of the considerable advances that have occurred in the field of fire resistant textiles in recent years. It draws together scientific and technical expertise from around the world to produce an important source of current knowledge on fire resistant textiles and their use for protection in hostile environments. Part one provides an overview of fire resistant textiles. Chapters discuss burning and combustion mechanisms of textile fibers, chemical modification of natural and synthetic fibers to improve flame retardancy, multi-component flame resistant coating techniques for textiles, care and maintenance of fire resistant textiles, along with the safety, health and environmental aspects of flame retardants. Part two covers different types of fire resistant fibers and fabrics, including flame retardant cotton, wool, ceramic fibers and blends, composites and nonwovens. Part three reviews standards, regulations, and characterization of fire resistant textiles. Part four includes case studies of major applications of fire resistant textiles. The Handbook of fire resistant textiles is an invaluable resource for a broad spectrum of professionals in the textiles and apparel industries, including textile and garment manufacturers, engineers, researchers, designers, developers and buyers. Provides a comprehensive review of the considerable advances that have occurred in the field of fire resistant textiles in recent years Discusses burning and combustion mechanisms of textile fibers and chemical modification of natural and synthetic fibers to improve flame retardancy Covers different types of fire resistant fibers and fabrics, including flame retardant cotton, wool, ceramic fibers and blends, composites and nonwovens

Nanotechnology - technology at the molecular level - is held out by many as the Holy Grail for creating a trillion dollar economy and solving problems from curing cancer to reprocessing waste into products and building superfast computers. Yet, as with GMOs, many view nanotech as a high risk genie in a bottle that once uncorked has the potential to cause unpredictable, perhaps irreversible, environmental and public health disasters. With the race to bring products to market, there is pressing need to take stock of the situation and to have a full public debate about this new technological frontier. Including contributions by renowned figures such as Roland Clift, K. Eric Drexler and Arpad Pusztai, this is the first global overview of the state of nanotech and society in Europe, the USA, Japan and Canada, examining the ethics, the environmental and public health risks, and the governance and regulation of this most promising, and potentially most dangerous, of all technologies.

A Step-by-step guide to the synthesis and characterization of metal-polymer nanocomposites Polymer nanocomposites, polymers that are reinforced with nano-sized particles, provide enhanced mechanical, thermal, electrical, and barrier properties. Continued research and development of new polymer nanocomposites promises to provide enhanced materials to a broad range of industries, such as plastics, aerospace, automotive, electronics, packaging, and biomedical devices. Structured as a practical laboratory manual, this book enables readers to expertly synthesize and characterize metal-polymer nanocomposites by clearly setting forth the principles and techniques. Nanocomposites: In Situ Synthesis of Polymer-Embedded Nanostructures features contributions from an international team of materials science and nanotechnology experts. Chapters reflect the authors' critical review of the literature as well as their own laboratory experience working with polymer nanocomposites. The book begins with a detailed introduction to the science, properties, and applications of metal-polymer nanocomposites. Next, it covers such topics as: Morphological and topological concepts Phase separation and nanoparticle aggregation Methods for the synthesis of nanocomposites Morphological control Characterization techniques and data analysis methods Toxicity considerations High-resolution images of metal nanoparticles, created by transmission electron microscopy, are provided throughout the book. There are also plenty of process schemes and detailed drawings, helping readers better understand how to synthesize, characterize, and use these composite materials. A bibliography at the end of each chapter provides a gateway to original research papers and reviews in the field. With its focus on the practical steps of synthesis and characterization, Nanocomposites: In Situ Synthesis of Polymer-Embedded Nanostructures is recommended for both students and practitioners in nanotechnology, polymer science, and materials science and engineering.