This book provides comprehensive coverage of nanocomposite materials obtained by the sol-gel method, from synthesis to applications and including design tools for combining different properties. Sol-gel nanocomposites are of great interest in meeting processing and application requirements for the development of multifunctional materials. These materials are already commercialized for a number of applications from scratch-resistant and anti-adhesive coatings to optical materials with active and passive properties. Biomedical applications, holographic recordings, fuel cells and hydrogen storage, resists and catalysts are among the potential uses. The novel mechanical, optical and electronic properties of nanocomposite materials depend not only on the individual component materials, but also on their morphology and nanoscale interfacial characteristics. Sol-gel is a highly versatile method for obtaining both the matrix and the filler of the nanocomposite and for chemically adjusting the interface to optimize structure and properties. Although nanocomposites are widely discussed in the literature, the focus has been mainly on polymer nanocomposites. This book addresses nanocomposites based on inorganic or hybrid organic-inorganic matrices, with an emphasis on the scientific principles which are the basis for nanocomposite sol-gel synthesis and applications. A didactic approach is followed, with different topics developed from a fundamental point of view together with key examples and case studies. First comprehensive treatment of nanocomposites obtained by sol-gel methods Focuses on nanocomposites with inorganic and hybrid organic-inorganic matrices Describes design tools to optimize structure and properties for various applications Covers synthesis, processing, characterization, and modeling Uses first principles to describe the influence of interfacial characteristics on materials properties Presents case studies for both films and bulk applications Provides examples of products on the market, with descriptions of the scientific principles at the base of their success Includes contributions from recognized leaders in this multidisciplinary area.

The third edition of the Dictionary of Ceramic Science and Engineering builds on the heavily revised 2nd edition which, in turn, expanded the original edition by some 4000 entries to include new fabrication, testing, materials, and vocabulary. The proven basis of the first two editions has been retained but new words and phrases have been added from the rapidly advancing electronic, nanoparticle and modern materials engineering fields. Additionally, all measurements in SI units are given to facilitate communication among the many sub-disciplines touched on by ceramics, ensuring that this publication remains the field's standard reference work for years to come. This extended edition of the Dictionary of Ceramic Science and Engineering ably follows its predecessors as an authoritative resource for students, researchers and professionals dealing with the processing of Materials.

The aim of this book is to present the latest findings in the properties and application of Supplementary Cementing Materials and blended cements currently used in the world in concrete. Sustainability is an important issue all over the world. Carbon dioxide emission has been a serious problem in the world due to the greenhouse effect. Today many countries agreed to reduce the emission of CO2. Many phases of cement and concrete technology can affect sustainability. Cement and concrete industry is responsible for the production of 7% carbon dioxide of the total world CO2 emission. The use of supplementary cementing materials (SCM), design of concrete mixtures with optimum content of cement and enhancement of concrete durability are the main issues towards sustainability in concrete industry.

A large part of the research currently being conducted in the fields of materials science and engineering mechanics is devoted to carbon nanotubes and their applications. In this process, modeling is a very attractive investigation tool due to the difficulties in manufacturing and testing of nanomaterials. Continuum modeling offers significant advantages over atomistic modeling. Furthermore, the lack of accuracy in continuum methods can be overtaken by incorporating input data either from experiments or atomistic methods. This book reviews the recent progress in continuum modeling of carbon nanotubes and their composites. The advantages and disadvantages of continuum methods over atomistic methods are comprehensively discussed. Numerical models, mainly based on the finite element method, as well as analytical models are presented in a comparative way starting from the simulation of isolated pristine and defected nanotubes and proceeding to nanotube-based composites. The ability of continuum methods to bridge different scales is emphasized. Recommendations for future research are given by focusing on what still continuum methods have to learn from the nano-scale. The scope of the book is to provide current knowledge aiming to support researchers entering the scientific area of carbon nanotubes to choose the appropriate modeling tool for accomplishing their study and place their efforts to further improve continuum methods.

The results in this dissertation set the ground to answer a fundamental question in data-driven polymer material science: "Why don't prepared composites show less fatigue than the pure plastics?" A simultaneous analysis of mechanical testing and small angle X-Ray scattering from the DESY source in Hamburg has been applied to approach this question, which is also central to the European research project "Nanotough", and the results are clearly presented in this book. The evolution of the materials structure is visualized and quantitatively analyzed from exhaustive sequences of scattering images. Three different classes of polymer composites are presented as typical and illustrative examples. The obtained results illustrate that the interactions of their components can cause unpredictable structural effects, ultimaltely leading to a weakening of the material, where a reinforcement was expected.

Advances in Polymer Science enjoys a longstanding tradition and good reputation in its community. Each volume is dedicated to a current topic and each review critically surveys one aspect of that topic, to place it within the context of the volume. The volumes typically summarize the significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years and discuss them critically, presenting selected examples, explaining and illustrating the important principles and bringing together many important references of primary literature. On that basis, future research directions in the area can be discussed. Advances in Polymer Science volumes thus are important references for every polymer scientist, as well as for other scientists interested in polymer science - as an introduction to a neighboring field, or as a compilation of detailed information for the specialist.

Preface; List of Contributors; A. COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES: Mechanical and Failure Behavior: Accelerated Testing for Long-Term Durability of Various FRP Laminates for Marine Use, by Y. Miyano and M. Nakada; 2. Carbon Fiber - Vinyl Ester Interfacial Adhesion Improvement by the Use of an Epoxy Coating, by F. Vautard, L. Xu and LT. Drzal; 3. A Physically Based Cumulative Damage Formalism, by R. M. Christensen; 4. Delamination of Composite Cylinders, by P. Davies and L. A. Carlsson; Dynamic Effects: Fiber-Reinforced Composites, by R. C. Batra and N.M. Hassan; 2. Post-Impact Fatigue Behavior of Woven and Knitted Fabric CFRP Laminates for Marine Use, by I. Kimpara and H. Saito; 3. Dynamic Interaction of Multiple Damage Mechanisms in Composite Structures, by R. Massabo; 4. State-of-the-Art in Impulsive Loading of Marine Composites, by M. Porfiri and N. Gupta; B: SANDWICH MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES: Mechanical and Failure Behavior: Failure Modes of Composite Sandwich Beams, by I.M. Daniel and E.E. Gdoutos; 2. Localised Effects in Sandwich Structures with Internal Core Junctions: Modelling and Experimental Characterisation of Load Response, Failure and Fatigue, by M. Johannes and O. T. Thomsen; 3. Damage Tolerance of Naval Sandwich Panels, by D. Zenkert; 4. Size Effect on Fracture of Composite and Sandwich Structures, by E. E. Gdoutos and Z. P. Bazant; 5. Elasticity Solutions for the Buckling of Thick Composite and Sandwich Cylindrical Shells under External Pressure, by G. Kardomateas; 6. An Improved Methodology for Measuring the Interfacial Toughness of Sandwich Beams, by Q. Bing and B. D. Davidson; 7. Structural Performance of Eco-Core Sandwich Panels, by K. Shivakumar and H. Chen; 8. The Use of Neural Networks to Detect Damage in Sandwich Composites, by D. Serrano, F. A. Just-Agosto, B. Shafiq and A. Cecchini; 8. On the Mechanical Behavior of Advanced Composite Material Structures, by J. Vinson; 10. Application of Acoustic Emission Technology to theCharacterization and Damage Monitoring of Advanced Composites, by E. O. Ayorinde; Dynamic Effects: Ballistic Impacts on Composite and Sandwich Structures, by S. Abrate; 2. Performance of Novel Composites and Sandwich Structures under Blast Loading, by A. Shukla, S. A. Tekalur, N. Gardner, M. Jackson and E. Wang; 3. Single and Multisite Impact Response of S2-Glass/Epoxy Balsa Wood Core Sandwich Composites, by L.J. Deka and U. K. Vaidya; 4. Real-time Experimental Investigation on Dynamic Failure of Sandwich Structures and Layered Materials, by L. R. Xu and A.J. Rosakis; 5. Characterization of Fatigue Behavior of Composite Sandwich Structures at Sub-zero Temperatures, by S. M. Soni, R. F. Gibson and E.O. Ayorinde; 6. Impact and Blast Resistance of Sandwich Plates, by G. J. Dvorak, Y. A. Bahei-El-Din and A. P. Suvorov; 7. Modeling Blast and High Velocity Impact of Composite Sandwich Panels, by M. S Hoo Fatt, L. Palla and D. Sirivolu; C. CONSTITUENT MATERIALS: 1. Effect of Nanoparticle Dispersion on Polymer Matrix and their Fiber Nanocomposites, by M.F. Uddin and C.T. Sun; 2. Experimental and Analytical Analysis of Mechanical Response and Deformation Mode Selection in Balsa Wood, by M. Vural and G. Ravichandran; 3. Mechanics of PAN Nanofibers, by I. Chasiotis and M. Naraghi; 4. Characterization of Deformation and Failure Modes of Ordinary and Auxetic Foams at Different Length Scales, by Fu-pen Chiang; 5. Fracture of Brittle Lattice Materials: A Review, by I. Quintana-Alonso and N. A. Fleck; Author Index.

This timely volume presents a range of critical topics on the use of composite materials in civil engineering; industrial, commercial, and residential structures; and historic buildings. Structural strengthening techniques based on composite materials, including, but not limited to, fiber-reinforced polymers, fiber-reinforced glasses, steel-reinforced polymers, and steel-reinforced glasses represent a practice employed internationally and have become an important component in the restoration of buildings impacted by natural hazards and other destructive forces. New Composite Materials: Selection, Design, and Application stands as a highly relevant and diverse effort, distinct from other technical publications dealing with building issues. The book focuses extensively on characterization of techniques employed for structural restoration and examines in detail an assortment of materials such as concrete, wood, masonry, and steel.

This book provides an overview of metal casting technologies starting from its historical evolution to casting design strategies that are being followed today in foundries and other metal casting industries. The details of most of the casting processes and their applications are also included for completeness. Foundry practices such as mold materials and molding techniques, pattern making and cores, furnaces, pouring, cleaning and heat treatment etc. are discussed in detail. Finally, current practices in casting design are demonstrated. Further developments in the field through computational methods and virtual reality are also described.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in modern chemical research. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field. Review articles for the individual volumes are invited by the volume editors. Readership: research chemists at universities or in industry, graduate students

This book is concerned with polymeric hydrogels, which are considered as one of the most promising types of new polymer-based materials. Each chapter in this book describes a selected class of polymeric hydrogels, such as superabsorbent hybrid nanohydrogels, conducting polymer hydrogels, polysaccharide-based or protein-based hydrogels, or gels based on synthetic polymers. In this way, the book also addresses some of the fascinating properties and applications of polymeric hydrogels: they are three-dimensional, hydrophilic, polymeric networks that can absorb, swell and retain large quantities of water or aqueous fluids. In combination with metal nanoparticles, nanofibrils or nanowhiskers, which may be embedded in the gels, they find widespread applications, ranging from agriculture, and waste water treatment, over electronics, to pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Applications mentioned in this book include electro sensors, capacitors, electromechanical actuators, and even artificial muscles.

This book focuses on the creative use of chemistry in the fabrication of a variety of oxide and non-oxide materials which are likely to play a crucial role in the development of the next generation of microelectronics devices. It includes inorganic precursor chemistry, gas-phase and solid-state chemistry, materials science, chemical physics and chemical engineering. Highlights include the deposition of high-k dielectric gate oxides, ferroelectric oxide films for infrared and memory applications, low-k dielectrics, TiN and TaN diffusion barriers, and fresh precursors for III-V nitrides. The emphasis is on chemical methods for the controlled deposition of thin films, for which chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has proven to be a useful and versatile technique. Of particular interest is the use of liquid-injection MOCVD for the deposition of oxide multilayers and superlattices. Solution deposition techniques such as sol-gel, metalorganic decomposition (MOD), hydrothermal processing are also prominently featured. Topics include: CVD of oxide ceramics; CVD of nonoxide ceramics; solution deposition of electronic ceramics; alternative chemical processing methods and characterization of electronic ceramics..

Based on the current state of the art Marcus Lau demonstrates an improved experimental design for defined laser irradiation of particles in liquid environment. The experimental results achieved with the designed reactor demonstrate how particle properties can be modified by defined laser energy dose input. By utilizing different model materials new insights into laser processing of particles in liquids are gained that allow an enhanced process understanding.

This book describes recent advances in peptide-mediated biomineralization and how this method was able to create improved catalysts through minor tweaks in the system. The book is thorough in its discussion which will be appreciated by beginners such as advanced undergraduate students. The topics covered are very recent which will raise the interest of experts. The book is envisioned to become a "one-stop-shop" for peptide mediated biomimetic material synthesis by discussing the most recent and most relevant topics related to biomineralization. The book attempts to discuss biomineralization from different perspectives in order to provide a multi-disciplinary treatment to the subject. Aside from being a reference material, this book can also serve as a manual to guide researchers engaged in the field since the chapters contain sections describing experimental procedures. The book also contains high quality illustrations and images that will surely add depth and clarity in the discussion.

Fundamentals of Ceramics presents readers with an exceptionally clear and comprehensive introduction to ceramic science. This Second Edition updates problems and adds more worked examples, as well as adding new chapter sections on Computational Materials Science and Case Studies. The Computational Materials Science sections describe how today density functional theory and molecular dynamics calculations can shed valuable light on properties, especially ones that are not easy to measure or visualize otherwise such as surface energies, elastic constants, point defect energies, phonon modes, etc. The Case Studies sections focus more on applications, such as solid oxide fuel cells, optical fibers, alumina forming materials, ultra-strong and thin glasses, glass-ceramics, strong and tough ceramics, fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites, thermal barrier coatings, the space shuttle tiles, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, two-dimensional solids, field-assisted and microwave sintering, colossal magnetoresistance, among others.

This book proposes the use of waste from oil drilling and sugar cane bagasse ash in the production of ecologically friendly soil-cement bricks. It offers a viable alternative to the traditional bricks available on the market, which use wood as fuel: manufacturing bricks from waste is less costly and does not require the consumption of trees and forests. It also proposes an alternative to the current discharging of the above-mentioned types of waste in sanitary landfills, avoiding additional environmental problems.

This book covers the different aspects of tropical natural fibre composites in areas such as properties, design and analysis, manufacturing techniques, material selection of kenaf, oil palm, sugar palm, pineapple leaf, coconut, sugarcane and banana based fibre composites. Important properties such as mechanical and thermal of natural fibres as well their composites are presented. A study on the composite fibre-matrix interface is highlighted together with the design process and analysis of products from natural fibre composites. An overview on the manufacturing techniques (conventionally used to produce fibre glass fibre composites) such as pultrusion and filament winding is described to produce natural fibre composites. The importance of material selection system to obtain the most optimum materials for application in engineering components from natural fibre composites is covered with a strong focus on the concurrent engineering for natural fibre composites.

This book provides an introduction to the unique and fascinating properties of alloys and composites from novel commercialized thermosetting resins based on polybenzoxazines. Their outstanding properties such as processability, thermal, mechanical, electrical properties as well as ballistic impact properties of polybenzoxazine alloys and composites make them attractive for various applications in electronic packaging encapsulation, light weight ballistic armour composites and bipolar plate in fuel cells.

This book presents new results in the knowledge and simulations for composite nano-materials. It includes selected, extended papers presented in the thematic ECCOMAS conference on Composites with Micro- and Nano-Structure (CMNS) - Computational Modelling and Experiments. It contains atomistic and continuum numerical methods and experimental validation for composite materials reinforced with particles or fibres, porous materials, homogenization and other important topics.

This book is the first of its kind to deal with fabrication processes of metal matrix composites (MMCs) theoretically, experimentally, systematically, and instructively. The theoretical bases of fabrication processes and recycling processes of MMCs are established in this volume. Most other books in the field are concerned with the mechanics of properties, which is not easy for readers to grasp, and they introduce fabrication processes only as techniques without theoretical discussion. Because this book provides a clear image of the fabrication processes of MMCs without using complicated mathematics, readers can use production theory to create new composites. Also, fundamental concepts of recycling of MMCs are given in this book for the first time so as to meet the demands for solving environmental problems. This work originally was published in Japanese and has attained a high reputation among Japanese professors and researchers in the field.

This thesis deals with the processes that create ordered assemblies from disordered nanoparticles. Ordered packings of nanoscale particles can exhibit unusual properties. This work investigates the self-assembly of such particles, a process widely employed for the generation of ordered structures, but not yet well understood. In situ methods are used to observe the assembly of sub-micron polymer lattices and sub-10 nm gold particles into crystalline monolayers and aggregates. On the basis of these results, the book develops new models that describe the competition between different influences, such as thermal agitation and directional forces. It suggests necessary criteria that lead to the emergence of order.

This book presents cutting-edge research on the design and development of novel, advanced high-strength, light-weight materials via the incorporation of novel reinforcements, namely, metallic amorphous alloys/bulk metallic glasses (BMG), in light metal matrix composites (LMMCs) based on Al and Mg. The book begins with an introduction to conventional ceramic reinforced light metal matrix composites, along with the major drawbacks which limit their application. Metallic amorphous alloys/Bulk Metallic Glasses (BMG) are new class of metallic materials that are distinctly differently from conventional metals/alloys in terms of their structure and thermal behavior, and exhibit extremely high strength (1 to 2 GPa) and large elastic strain limit (1 to 2%). Given these unique properties, upon their incorporation into Al/Mg-matrices, they provide superior interfacial properties, i.e. high degree of compatibility with the matrix due to their metallic nature when compared to conventional ceramic reinforcements, and thereby significantly enhance the mechanical performance of LMMCs. Amorphous/BMG reinforced LMMCs is an emerging research field and the existing literature is meager. This book discusses the various processing methods that would be suitable for these novel materials. A comparison of mechanical properties and strengthening mechanisms of amorphous/BMG reinforced composites with those of conventional ceramic composites is presented. Future research directions and wider research potential of the novel materials are discussed, and prospective applications are highlighted. For ease of understanding and comparison, appropriate schematics, tables, and figures are provided.

Diamond has a unique combination of properties, such as the highest hardness and thermal conductivity among any known material, high electrical resistivity, a large optical band gap and a high transmission, good resistance to chemical erosion, low adhesion and friction, and extremely low thermal expansion coefficient. As such, diamond has been a desirable material in a wide range of applications in mechanical, chemical, optical, thermal and electrical engineering. In many of the cases, the surface of a diamond component or element must have a superior finish, often down to a surface roughness of nanometers. Nevertheless, due to its extreme hardness and chemical inertness, the polishing of diamond and its composites has been a sophisticated process. Polishing of Diamond Materials will provide a state-of-the-art analysis, both theoretically and experimentally, of the most commonly used polishing techniques for mono/poly-crystalline diamond and chemical vapour deposition (CVD) diamond films, including mechanical, chemo-mechanical, thermo-chemical, high energy beam, dynamic friction and other polishing techniques. The in-depth discussions will be on the polishing mechanisms, possible modelling, material removal rate and the quality control of these techniques. A comparison of their advantages and drawbacks will be carried out to provide the reader with a useful guideline for the selection and implementation of these polishing techniques. Polishing of Diamond Materials will be of interest to researchers and engineers in hard materials and precision manufacturing, industry diamond suppliers, diamond jewellery suppliers and postgraduate students in the area of precision manufacturing.

About the book: This book is the first comprehensive review on acoustic metamaterials; novel materials which can manipulate sound waves in surprising ways, which include collimation, focusing, cloaking, sonic screening and extraordinary transmission. It covers both experimental and theoretical aspects of acoustic and elastic waves propagating in structured composites, with a focus on effective properties associated with negative refraction, lensing and cloaking. Most related books in the field address electromagnetic metamaterials and focus on numerical methods, and little (or no) experimental section. Each chapter will be authored by an acknowledged expert, amongst the topics covered will be experimental results on non-destructive imaging, cloaking by surface water waves, flexural waves in thin plates. Applications in medical ultrasound imaging and modeling of metamaterials will be emphasized too. The book can serve as a reference for researchers who wish to build a solid foundation of wave propagation in this class of novel materials.

This book proposes a wide overview of the research and development of proton-conducting solid oxide materials. It is the first to approach the topic on proton-conducting ceramics and presents analysis studies from the fundamental to the most promising applied domains. It describes theoretical studies to enhance understanding of proton-transport mechanisms through materials and focuses on the main families of materials referred in the literature, highlighting their structure and their electrical and physicochemical properties. It lists the various routes of synthesis and processing methods used to develop such materials and deals with their main performances and prospects with respect to electromotive force, electrochemical hydrogen transport, and reactors. The book will be helpful for students from academic sciences as well as industrials dealing with applications of such materials.