Magnetism and Structure in Functional Materials addresses three distinct but related topics: (i) magnetoelastic materials such as magnetic martensites and magnetic shape memory alloys, (ii) the magnetocaloric effect related to magnetostructural transitions, and (iii) colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) and related manganites. The goal is to identify common underlying principles in these classes of materials that are relevant for optimizing various functionalities. The emergence of apparently different magnetic/structural phenomena in disparate classes of materials clearly points to a need for common concepts in order to achieve a broader understanding of the interplay between magnetism and structure in this general class of new functional materials exhibiting ever more complex microstructure and function. The topic is interdisciplinary in nature and the contributors correspondingly include physicists, materials scientists and engineers. Likewise the book will appeal to scientists from all these areas.

Recent developments in electronic structure theory have led to a new understanding of magnetic materials at the microscopic level. This enables a truly first-principles approach to investigations of technologically important magnetic materials. Among the advances treated here have been practical schemes for handling non-collinear magnetic systems, including relativity, and an understanding of the origins and role of orbital magnetism within band structure formalisms. This book provides deep theoretical insight into magnetism, mahneatic materials, and magnetic systems. It covers these recent developments with review articles by some of the main originators of these developments.

This book presents current research on advanced magnetic materials and multifunctional composites. Recent advances in technology and engineering have resulted from the development of advanced magnetic materials with improved functional magnetic and magneto-transport properties. Certain industrial sectors, such as magnetic sensors, microelectronics, and security, demand cost-effective materials with reduced dimensionality and desirable magnetic properties such as enhanced magnetic softness, giant magnetic field sensitivity, and large magnetocaloric effect. Expert chapters present the most up-to-date information on the fabrication process, processing, tailoring of properties, and applications of different families of modern functional materials for advanced smart applications. Topics covered include novel magnetic materials and applications; amorphous and nanocrystalline magnetic materials and applications; hard magnetic materials; magnetic shape memory alloys; and magnetic oxides. The book's highly interdisciplinary and forward-looking approach will benefit the scientific community, particularly researchers and advanced graduate students working in the field of advanced magnetic materials, composites, and high-performance sensor and microwave devices.

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

The book features hundreds of illustrations to help explain concepts and provide quantitative information. The style is general towards tutorial. Most chapters include sections on example problems, review questions and supplementary reading. --