Functional materials have assumed a very prominent position in several high-tech areas. Such materials are not being classified on the basis of their origin, nature of bonding or processing techniques but are classified on the basis of the functions they can perform. This is a significant departure from the earlier schemes in which materials were described as metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers, glass materials etc. Several new processing techniques have also evolved in the recent past. Because of the diversity of materials and their functions it has become extremely difficult to obtain information from single source. Functional Materials: Preparation, Processing and Applications provides a comprehensive review of the latest developments. - Serves as a ready reference for Chemistry, Physics and Materials Science researchers by covering a wide range of functional materials in one book - Aids in the design of new materials by emphasizing structure or microstructure – property correlation - Covers the processing of functional materials in detail, which helps in conceptualizing the applications of them

Sol-gel processing is a soft-chemistry method to obtain functional materials at low temperatures. This route can be used to produce very sophisticated nanomaterials and to tailor the materials to very specific applications. Adsorption and detection of pollutants, water purification and soil remediation represent challenging fields of application that can be exploited by sol-gel materials. In this volume several contributions from invited speakers and participants at the NATO advanced research workshop on "Sol-gel approaches to materials for pollution control, water purification and soil remediation", which has been held in Kiev, Ukraine on October 2007, are reported. The book offers a wide and updated overview of the most advanced sol-gel methods for materials processing and at the same time presents several case studies concerning possible solutions for environmental issues. General articles on sol-gel from the invited speakers and focused research articles allow getting inside sol-gel applications on this very important field.

This book describes the latest research on nanopolysaccharides in the development of functional materials, from their preparation, properties and functional modifications to the architecture of diverse functional materials. Polysaccharide-based nanoparticles, including nanocellulose, nanochitin, and nanostarch have attracted interest in the field of nanoscience, nanotechnology, and materials science that encompasses various industrial sectors, such as biomedicine, catalyst, coating, energy, optical materials, environmental materials, construction materials, and antibacterial materials. This book establishes a fundamental framework, highlighting the architecture strategies of typical functional systems based on nanopolysaccharides and integrated analysis of their significant influence and properties to various functional behaviors of materials, to help readers to fully understand the fundamental features of nanopolysaccharides and functional materials. Addressing the potential for practical applications, the book also covers the related industrial interests and reports on highly valued products from nanopolysaccharides, providing ideas for future studies in the area. Intended both for academics and professionals who are interested in nanopolysaccharides, it is also a valuable resource for postgraduate students, researchers, and engineers involved in R&D of natural polymers, nanotechnology, and functional materials.

Advances in Functional and Protective Textiles explores the latest research in the use of textile materials for protective clothing. The book's international roster of researchers in industry and academia describe innovative applications in defense, medical, sports, fire protection, radiation protection, and more. This book is an invaluable resource for readers seeking to produce textiles with self-cleaning, antimicrobial, super-hydrophobic, UV-protective, insect repellant, flame retardant or anti-felting properties. Particular attention is given to textile fibers, including cotton, wool, viscose, and other synthetic fibers whose properties solve many problems. Sustainable approaches to the processing of textiles for protective properties are also addressed, as are hazards. - Introduces the advanced testing and modeling methods that are necessary for the production of protective textiles - Describes the properties of the latest advanced chemicals and materials used to make protective textiles and clothing - Covers every step in the development of protective clothing, from the engineering of novel materials, to advanced fabrication methodologies and applications

Functional Materials for the Oil and Gas Industry: Characterization and Applications discusses the latest techniques in characterization and applications of functional materials in the oil and gas industry. It provides an expert review of recent developments in a variety of materials, such as ceramics, composites, and alloys, and covers all major aspects relevant to the industry, including asset management (corrosion), operation (pipeline engineering), energy management, and applications in extreme environments. This book: Discusses modern characterization techniques, such as in situ TEM, SAXS, SANS, X-ray, and neutron tomography Covers conventional and advanced nondestructive techniques (NDTs), such as ultrasonic testing and radiography for asset integrity checking in oil and gas sectors Describes advanced properties of a variety of functional materials and their applications to the oil and gas field Explains self-cleaning coating technologies and their applications and materials for renewable energy sources Details advances in synthesis methods for functional materials Features industrial aspects of afunctional materials application in each chapter Written for an interdisciplinary audience of industrial practitioners, academics, and researchers in petroleum, materials, chemical, and related disciplines of engineering, this work offers significant insight into the state-of-the-art in the development and characterization of advanced functional materials.

This book provides a comprehensive review of nanomaterials, including essential foundational examples of nanosensors, smart nanomaterials, nanopolymers, and nanotubes. Chapters cover their synthesis and characteristics, production methods, and applications, with specific sections exploring nanoelectronics and electro-optic nanotechnology, nanostructures, and nanodevices. This book is a valuable resource for interdisciplinary researchers who want to learn more about the synthesis of nanomaterials and how they are used in different types of energy storage devices, including supercapacitors, batteries, fuel cells solar cells in addition to electrical, chemical, and biomedical engineering. Key Features: Comprehensive overview of how nanomaterials can be utilised in a variety of interdisciplinary applications Explores the fundamental theories, alongside their electrochemical mechanisms and computation Discusses recent developments in electrode designing based on nanomaterials, separators, and the fabrication of advanced devices and their performances

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