This book looks at advanced nanocomposites, introducing long-awaited concepts towards bridging the gap between nanostructured optical materials and next-generation imaging systems. It investigates nanocomposites as bulk optical materials and highlights the immense potential they hold for real-world optical elements and systems, such as smartphone cameras. It covers the full spectrum of nanocomposite optical materials from their fundamental properties to analytical modeling and detailed application examples. This book also provides an in-depth discussion of the role these new materials play in the development of broadband flat optics – diffractive optical elements used for enhancing high-end broadband imaging systems. Written by an industry expert, this book seamlessly connects fundamental research and real-world applications. It is the ideal guide both for optical engineers working towards integrating new technologies, and researchers involved with fundamental research on optical materials.

The addition of nanoparticles to polymer composites has led to a new generation of composite materials with enhanced and novel properties. Advances in polymer nanocomposites reviews the main types of polymer nanocomposites and their applications.Part one reviews types of polymer nanocomposites according to fillers. Processing of carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and cellulose nanoparticles as functional fillers and reinforcement are discussed, alongside calcium carbonate and metal-polymer nanocomposites. Part two focuses on types of polymer nanocomposites according to matrix polymer, with polyolefin-based, (PVC)-based, nylon-based, (PET)-based and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based polymer nanocomposites discussed. Soft, gel and biodegradable polymer nanocomposites are also considered. Part three goes on to investigate key applications, including fuel cells, aerospace applications, optical applications, coatings and flame-retardant polymer nanocomposites.With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, Advances in polymer nanocomposites is an essential guide for professionals and academics involved in all aspects of the design, development and application of polymer nanocomposites. Reviews the main types of polymer nanocomposites and their applications Discusses processing of carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and cellulose nanoparticles as functional fillers and reinforcement Discusses polyolefin-based, (PVC)-based, nylon-based, (PET)-based and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based polymer nanocomposites

This book covers the latest advances in polymer-inorganic nanocomposites, with particular focus on high-added-value applications in fields including electronics, optics, magnetism and biotechnology. The unique focus of this book is on electronic, optical, magnetic and biomedical applications of hybrid nanocomposites. Coverage includes: Synthesis methods and issues and production scale-up; Characterization methods; Electronic applications; Optical applications and Photonics; Magnetic applications; and Biomedical applications. The book offers readers a solid grasp of the state of the art, and of current challenges in non-traditional applications of hybrid nanocomposites.

The book, Nanorods and Nanocomposites aims to provide the reader with an overview of the recent advances made on the synthesis of nanorods and nanocomposites and their emerging applications for a better lifestyle. The nanorods are a surprising gift to materials science from the research field of nanoscale materials. Nanorods promise to serve as a building block of the next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. Nanocomposite materials are multiphase solid materials that have one organic or inorganic nanoarchitectured compound with various nanostructures, such as nanoparticles, nanowires, nanorods, and nano-films, etc., or with multiphase solid materials (metals, oxides, polymers, and carbon). Due to the progressive physical, chemical, electrical, thermal, optical, electrochemical, and catalytic properties of nanocomposites, they exhibit multi-functional characteristics in a variety of engineering applications such as piezoelectrics, thermoresistors, sensors, energy-related technologies, water purification catalysts, electro-photonics, and so on. Despite the wide variety of applications due to their unique nanostructures, the fabrication of nanocomposites and the realization of their applications in different fields remains a challenging task. The focus of this book is to provide a platform for presentation of the latest knowledge and recent progress in synthesis, functionalization, and applications of nanocomposite materials. It is expected that this book presents the most attractive and versatile technological developments in the field of nanorods and nanocomposite materials and their applications that will provide a better understanding of the currently ongoing research in related fields.

Nanocomposites are attractive to researchers both from practical and theoretical point of view because of combination of special properties. Many efforts have been made in the last two decades using novel nanotechnology and nanoscience knowledge in order to get nanomaterials with determined functionality. This book focuses on polymer nanocomposites and their possible divergent applications. There has been enormous interest in the commercialization of nanocomposites for a variety of applications, and a number of these applications can already be found in industry. This book comprehensively deals with the divergent applications of nanocomposites comprising of 22 chapters.

This comprehensive reference work satisfies the need for in-depth and multidisciplinary coverage of the current state of the art of magnetic hybrid nanoalloys (MHNAs) and their polymer and ceramic nanocomposites. MHNAs represent one of the most challenging research areas in modern science and technology. These materials are stiff and strong with remarkable electronic, mechanical, electrical, thermal and biocompatible properties, and a high potential for multifunctional applications ranging from industry to medicine. The peer-reviewed literature is already extensive, witnessing rapid progress in experimental and theoretical studies on fundamental properties as well as various advanced applications. Part 1 covers theory, modelling, and synthesis (growth and alloying mechanisms) of MHNAs. Formation mechanisms of magneto-electric multiferroic materials, magnetic carbon nanotube (CNTs), and perovskite materials, which are a novel class of next-generation multifunctional nanomaterials, are discussed. The second part focuses on characterization techniques for electrical and dielectrical, rheological, biocompatibility, and other properties, as well as applications in the industrial, agricultural, environmental, and biomedical sectors. Finally, life cycle assessment is considered as essential to the development of nanomaterials and nanoproducts from MHNAs. Advanced undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and other professionals in the fields of materials science and engineering, polymer science, surface science, bioengineering, and chemical engineering will find comprehensive and authoritative information for solving fundamental and applied problems in the characterization and use of these multifunctional nanomaterials.