This proceedings volume explores current methods for synthesizing nanocrystalline powder and recent research findings relative to consolidation of nanocrystalline powder with retention of fine structure.

Nanocrystalline materials are three-dimensional ultrafine, polycrystalline microstructures. They give rise to interesting and useful chemical and physical-size effects. This book describes the development of a method of synthesizing chemical vapor for the production of nanocrystalline ceramic powders. The development of the microstructure during sintering is studied and the influence of the synthesis parameters on the structure and properties of the nanocrystalline ceramics from the atomic to the microstructural level is investigated. The emerging unified view, from powder synthesis and ceramic processing to structural characterization and determination of properties, provides a detailed understanding of the materials and enables better quality control of the end products.

The use of advanced engineering ceramic films and powders for structural and functional applications is expanding rapidly. Improved materials and innovative methods of fabrication are needed to enhance the engineering performance and reduce the production costs. This book highlights innovative/cost-effective material-processing methods, at a mature production stage and also in development. In addition, issues and strategies associated with scaling-up are emphasized.

Nanocrystalline materials with new functionalities show great promise for use in industrial applications - such as reinforcing fillers in novel polymer composites – and substantial progress has been made in the past decade in their synthesis and processing. However, there are several issues that need to be addressed to develop these materials further. Among these, exploration of novel methods for the large-scale synthesis of low cost self-assembled nanostructures is a challenging research topic. Accordingly, there has emerged a demand to study their synthesis-structure-property relationships in order to understand the fundamental concepts underlying the observed physical and mechanical properties.With contributions from leading experts, this book describes the fundamental theories and concepts that illustrate the complexity of the problem in developing novel nanocrystalline materials. It reviews the most up-to-date progress in the synthesis, microstructural characterization, physical and mechanical behavior, and application of nanomaterials.* Investigates the synthesis, characterisation and properties of a huge variety of nanocrystalline materials, and their applications in industry * Keeps the prominent challenges in nanomaterials fabrication at the forefront while offering the most up-to-date scientific findings