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.

In recent years, nanocomposites have captured and held the attention and imagination of scientists and engineers alike. Based on the simple premise that by using a wide range of building blocks with dimensions in the nanosize region, it is possible to design and create new materials with unprecedented flexibility and improvements in their physical properties. This book contains the essence of this emerging technology, the underlying science and motivation behind the design of these structures and the future, particularly from the perspective of applications. It is intended to be a reference handbook for future scientists and hence carries the basic science and the fundamental engineering principles that lead to the fabrication and property evaluation of nanocomposite materials in different areas of materials science and technology.

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.

This book provides a comprehensive collection of the latest information on nanomaterials and nanocomposites. It covers material synthesis, processing, structure characterization, properties and applications. It presents a coherent treatment of how composite properties depend on nanostructure, and covers cutting-edge topics like bionanocomposites for sustainable development. This book summarizes many developments in the field making it an ideal resource for researchers from industry, academia, government and private research institutions.

MXenes and their Composites: Synthesis, Properties and Potential Applications presents a state of the art overview of the recent developments on the synthesis, functionalization, properties and emerging applications of two-dimensional (2D) MXenes and their composites.The book systematically describes the state-of-the-art knowledge and fundamentals of MXene synthesis, structure, surface chemistry and functionalization. The book also discusses the unique electronic, optical, mechanical and topological properties of MXenes. Besides, this book covers the various emerging applications of MXenes and their composites across different fields such as energy storage and conversion, gas sensing and biosensing, rechargeable lithium and sodium-ion batteries, lithium-sulphur and multivalent batteries, electromagnetic interference shielding, hybrid capacitors and supercapacitors, hydrogen storage, catalysis and photoelectrocatalysis, gas separation and water desalination, environmental remediation and medical and biomedical applications. All these applications have been efficiently discussed in the specific chapters and in each case, the processing of MXene composites has also been discussed.This book will be an excellent reference for scientists and engineers across various disciplines and industries working in the field of highly promising 2D MXenes and their composites. The book will also act as a guide for academic researchers, material scientists, and advanced students in investigating the new applications of 2D MXenes based materials. Covers fundamentals of technologically important MAX phases, MXene derivatives, MXene synthesis methods, intercalation and delamination strategies, surface functionalization, fundamental characteristics and properties Demonstrates major application areas of MXenes, including catalytic, energy storage and energy generation, flexible electronics, EMI shielding, sensors and biosensors, medical and biomedical, gas separation and water desalination Presents a detailed discussion on the processing and performance of various MXenes towards different applications

This comprehensive text provides a basic introduction to the optical properties of polymers, as well as a systematic overview of the latest developments in their nano engineering applications—including L-GRIN lenses, 3D holographic displays, optical gene detection, and more. Covering an increasingly important class of materials relevant not only in academic research but also in industry, this book emphasizes the importance of nano engineering in improving the fundamental optical properties of the functional polymers, elaborating on high-level research while thoroughly explaining the underlying principles.