The new edition of this authoritative guide on liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) science has been produced in response to the wealth of new material recently generated in the field. It takes the reader through the theoretical underpinnings to real-world applications of LCP technology in a logical, well-integrated manner. A chapter on liquid biopolymers has been introduced, whilst the in-depth discussion on applications describes not only maturing fields of high strength structural LCPs, but also a detailed analysis of the developing area of functional materials. The in-depth coverage and detailed glossary establishes this as an indispensable text for graduate students and researchers in the polymer field, as well as being of interest to those working in chemistry, physics and materials science.

This book presents novel and efficient tools, techniques and approaches for reliability evaluation, reliability analysis, and design of reliable communication networks using graph theoretic concepts. In recent years, human beings have become largely dependent on communication networks, such as computer communication networks, telecommunication networks, mobile switching networks etc., for their day-to-day activities. In today's world, humans and critical machines depend on these communication networks to work properly. Failure of these communication networks can result in situations where people may find themselves isolated, helpless and exposed to hazards. It is a fact that every component or system can fail and its failure probability increases with size and complexity. The main objective of this book is to devize approaches for reliability modeling and evaluation of such complex networks. Such evaluation helps to understand which network can give us better reliability by their design. New designs of fault-tolerant interconnection network layouts are proposed, which are capable of providing high reliability through path redundancy and fault tolerance through reduction of common elements in paths. This book covers the reliability evaluation of various network topologies considering multiple reliability performance parameters (two terminal reliability, broadcast reliability, all terminal reliability, and multiple sources to multiple destinations reliability).

Smart Nanotextiles Wearable and Technical Applications This groundbreaking book comprehensively reviews the utilization of smart nanotextiles in various application areas by referring to requirements specific to various application fields, sharing the findings of some of the latest research efforts and state-of-art smart nanotextiles technologies, as well as providing insights relating to challenges and opportunities facing current and future smart nanotextiles. This book covers the emerging and exciting field of nanotextiles and their many applications. Smart nanotextiles form a novel group of materials that are utilized/can be utilized in an array of application areas, such as biomedicine (health monitoring, controlled drug release; wound care, and regenerative medicine), communication, sports, fashion, energy harvesting, protection, filtration, civil and geotechnical engineering, transportation, and so on, including wearable and technical fields. Whereas textiles provide a convenient platform for smart functionality, nanotechnology assures that the favorable characteristics of the textile structure are not impaired by the smart functioning components. Furthermore, based on the superior characteristics of nanostructured components in comparison to macromaterials and micromaterials, nanomaterials provide augmented smart functionality. However, despite the immense research efforts that have been devoted to smart nanotextiles, most of them have not yet transcended the commercialization stage due to high cost, difficulty in large-scale production, low reliability, and potential detrimental effects of nanomaterials on human health and the environment. The 12 chapters comprising this book are all written by subject-matter experts from around the world and discuss the next-generation products along with their challenges and opportunities. Audience Researchers, technologists, industrial engineers, and postgraduate students in the fields of textiles, intelligent materials, electronics, sensors, actuators, biomedicine, fashion, filtration, transportation, civil engineering, environmental engineering, communication, sports performance, and materials science, who have an interest in smart materials, nanotechnology and wearables.

Control theory is the main subject of this title, in particular analysis and control design for hybrid dynamic systems. The notion of hybrid systems offers a strong theoretical and unified framework to cope with the modeling, analysis and control design of systems where both continuous and discrete dynamics interact. The theory of hybrid systems has been the subject of intensive research over the last decade and a large number of diverse and challenging problems have been investigated. Nevertheless, many important mathematical problems remain open. This book is dedicated mainly to hybrid systems with constraints; taking constraints into account in a dynamic system description has always been a critical issue in control. New tools are provided here for stability analysis and control design for hybrid systems with operating constraints and performance specifications. Contents 1. Positive Systems: Discretization with Positivity and Constraints, Patrizio Colaneri, Marcello Farina, Stephen Kirkland, Riccardo Scattolini and Robert Shorten. 2. Advanced Lyapunov Functions for Lur e Systems, Carlos A. Gonzaga, Marc Jungers and Jamal Daafouz. 3. Stability of Switched DAEs, Stephan Trenn. 4. Stabilization of Persistently Excited Linear Systems, Yacine Chitour, Guilherme Mazanti and Mario Sigalotti. 5. Hybrid Coordination of Flow Networks, Claudio De Persis, Paolo Frasca. 6. Control of Hybrid Systems: An Overview of Recent Advances, Ricardo G. Sanfelice. 7. Exponential Stability for Hybrid Systems with Saturations, Mirko Fiacchini, Sophie Tarbouriech, Christophe Prieur. 8. Reference Mirroring for Control with Impacts, Fulvio Forni, Andrew R. Teel, Luca Zaccarian. About the Authors Jamal Daafouz is an expert in the area of switched and polytopic systems and has published several major results in leading journals (IEEE TAC, Automatica, Systems and Control Letters, etc.). He serves as an Associate Editor for the key journal IEEE TAC and is a member of the Editorial Board of the IEEE CSS society. Sophie Tarbouriech is an expert in the area of nonlinear systems with constraints and has published several major results in leading journals (IEEE TAC, Automatica, Systems and Control Letters, etc.) and books. She is a member of the Editorial Board of the IEEE CSS society and has also served as an Associate Editor for the key journal IEEE TAC. Mario Sigalotti is an expert in applied mathematics and switched systems and has published several results in leading journals (IEEE TAC, Automatica, Systems and Control Letters, etc.). He heads the INRIA team GECO and is a member of the IFAC Technical Committee on Distributed Parameter Systems.

Flexagons, paper models that can be bent in different ways to change their shape, are easy to make and work in surprising ways. This book contains numerous diagrams that the reader can photocopy and use to construct a variety of fascinating flexagons. The author also explains the mathematics behind these amazing creations. Although knowledge of the technical details requires a mathematical background, the models can be made and used by anyone. Flexagons appeals to all readers interested in puzzles and recreational mathematics.

Microstructural Geochronology Geochronology techniques enable the study of geological evolution and environmental change over time. This volume integrates two aspects of geochronology: one based on classical methods of orientation and spatial patterns, and the other on ratios of radioactive isotopes and their decay products. The chapters illustrate how material science techniques are taking this field to the atomic scale, enabling us to image the chemical and structural record of mineral lattice growth and deformation, and sometimes the patterns of radioactive parent and daughter atoms themselves, to generate a microstructural geochronology from some of the most resilient materials in the solar system. First compilation of research focusing on the crystal structure, material properties, and chemical zoning of the geochronology mineral archive down to nanoscale Novel comparisons of mineral time archives from different rocky planets and asteroids and their shock metamorphic histories Fundamentals on how to reconstruct and date radiogenic isotope distributions using atom probe tomography Microstructural Geochronology will be a valuable resource for graduate students, academics, and researchers in the fields of petrology, geochronology, mineralogy, geochemistry, planetary geology, astrobiology, chemistry, and material science. It will also appeal to philosophers and historians of science from other disciplines.

This book presents a study of the stability of mechanical systems, i.e. their free response when they are removed from their position of equilibrium after a temporary disturbance. After reviewing the main analytical methods of the dynamical stability of systems, it highlights the fundamental difference in nature between the phenomena of forced resonance vibration of mechanical systems subjected to an imposed excitation and instabilities that characterize their free response. It specifically develops instabilities arising from the rotor-structure coupling, instability of control systems, the self-sustained instabilities associated with the presence of internal damping and instabilities related to the fluid-structure coupling for fixed and rotating structures. For an original approach following the analysis of instability phenomena, the book provides examples of solutions obtained by passive or active methods.

This text deals with the behavior of polymers at surfaces and interfaces. Topics covered include the nature and properties of the surface of a polymer melt, the structure of interfaces among different polymers and between polymers and nonpolymers, the molecular basis of adhesion and the properties of polymers at liquid surfaces. Emphasis is placed on the underlying physical principles. It introduces statistical mechanics models of polymer behavior near interfaces, emphasizing theory that is applicable to experimental situations. Advanced undergraduates, graduate students and research workers in physics, chemistry and materials science with an interest in polymers will find this book of interest.

This book gathers the various aspects of the porous polymer field into one volume. It not only presents a fundamental description of the field, but also describes the state of the art for such materials and provides a glimpse into the future. Emphasizing a different aspect of the ongoing research and development in porous polymers, the book is divided into three sections: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications. The first part of each chapter presents the basic scientific and engineering principles underlying the topic, while the second part presents the state of the art results based on those principles. In this fashion, the book connects and integrates topics from seemingly disparate fields, each of which embodies different aspects inherent in the diverse field of porous polymeric materials.

Provides timely coverage of an important research area that is highly relevant to advanced detection and control technology Projecting device performance beyond the scaling limits of Moore's law requires technologies based on novel materials and device architecture. Due to its excellent electronic, thermal, and optical properties, graphene has emerged as a scalable, low-cost material with enormous integration possibilities for numerous optoelectronic applications. Graphene for Post-Moore Silicon Optoelectronics presents an up-to-date overview of the fundamentals, applications, challenges, and opportunities of integrating graphene and other 2D materials with silicon (Si) technologies. With an emphasis on graphene-silicon (Gr/Si) integrated devices in optoelectronics, this valuable resource also addresses emerging applications such as optoelectronic synaptic devices, optical modulators, and infrared image sensors. The book opens with an introduction to graphene for silicon optoelectronics, followed by chapters describing the growth, transfer, and physics of graphene/silicon junctions. Subsequent chapters each focus on a particular Gr/Si application, including high-performance photodetectors, solar energy harvesting devices, and hybrid waveguide devices. The book concludes by offering perspectives on the future challenges and prospects of Gr/Si optoelectronics, including the emergence of wafer-scale systems and neuromorphic optoelectronics. Illustrates the benefits of graphene-based electronics and hybrid device architectures that incorporate existing Si technology Covers all essential aspects of Gr/Si devices, including material synthesis, device fabrication, system integration, and related physics Summarizes current progress and future challenges of wafer-scale 2D-Si integrated optoelectronic devices Explores a wide range of Gr/Si devices, such as synaptic phototransistors, hybrid waveguide modulators, and graphene thermopile image sensors Graphene for Post-Moore Silicon Optoelectronics is essential reading for materials scientists, electronics engineers, and chemists in both academia and industry working with the next generation of Gr/Si devices.

The most current guide to solid state polymerization

Solid State Polymerization (SSP)is an indispensable tool in the design, manufacture, and study of polymers, plastics, and fibers. SSP presents significant advantages over other polymerization techniques due to low operating temperatures, inexpensive equipment, and simple and environmentally sound procedures. Combining fundamentals of polymer science, chemistry, physical chemistry, and engineering, SSP also offers many research applications for a wide range of students and investigators.

Gathering and filtering the latest literature on SSP, Solid "Solid State Polymerization" offers a unique, one-stop resource on this important process. With chapters contributed by leaders in the field, this text summarizes SSP, and provides essential coverage that includes:

• An introduction to SSP, with chemical and physical steps, apparatus, advantages, and parameters
• SSP physical chemistry and mechanisms
• Kinetic aspects of polyesters and polyamides SSP
• Catalysis in SSP processes
• Application of SSP under high pressure conditions in the laboratory
• Engineering aspects regarding process modeling and industrial application
• Recent developments and future possibilities "Solid State Polymerization" provides the most up-to-date coverage of this constantly developing field to academic and industry professionals, as well as graduate and postgraduate-level students in chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, polymer chemistry, polymer processing and polymer engineering.

Valuable resource for engineers and professionals dealing with bulk granular or powdered materials across industries using Discrete Element Methods (DEM) In many traditional university engineering programmes, no matter whether undergraduate or postgraduate, the behavior of granular materials is not covered in depth or at all. This omission leaves recent engineering graduates with little formal education in the major industrial area of bulk solids handling. This book teaches young professionals and engineers to find appropriate solutions for handling granular and powdered materials. It also provides valuable information for experienced engineers to gain an understanding and appreciation of the most significant simulation methods-DEM chief amongst them. For any student or professional involved with bulk solids handling, this book is a key resource to understand the most efficient and effective stimulation methods that are available today. Its comprehensive overview of the topic allows for upcoming professionals to ensure they have adequate knowledge in the field and for experienced professionals to improve their skills and processes.

Nanotechnology-Based Additive Manufacturing State-of-the-art overview of additive manufacturing techniques with an emphasis on processes, product designs and applications This book offers a thorough overview of additive manufacturing technologies, including manufacturing requirements, product design, optimization of processes and product parameters to reduce manufacturing costs. It provides a comprehensive and state-of-the-art review on various additive manufacturing technologies, their advantages, shortcomings, potential applications and future directions. Sample topics discussed by the three well-qualified editors on the topic of additive manufacturing include: Areas of application in the fields of electronics, aerospace, construction, automobile, sports and biomedicine Material considerations, the requirement of specific design, fabrication and processing methods Advantages and disadvantages of various 3D printing techniques for the respectively intended applications This book is an immensely valuable resource for researchers working in the field of additive manufacturing or 3D printing, or for developers dealing with the processing and manufacturing of materials and products for advanced technologies.

Cohesive overview of powerful mathematical methods to solve differential equations in physics Asymptotic Perturbation Methods for Nonlinear Differential Equations in Physics addresses nonlinearity in various fields of physics from the vantage point of its mathematical description in the form of nonlinear partial differential equations and presents a unified view on nonlinear systems in physics by providing a common framework to obtain approximate solutions to the respective nonlinear partial differential equations based on the asymptotic perturbation method. Aside from its complete coverage of a complicated topic, a noteworthy feature of the book is the emphasis on applications. There are several examples included throughout the text, and, crucially, the scientific background is explained at an elementary level and closely integrated with the mathematical theory to enable seamless reader comprehension. To fully understand the concepts within this book, the prerequisites are multivariable calculus and introductory physics. Written by a highly qualified author with significant accomplishments in the field, Asymptotic Perturbation Methods for Nonlinear Differential Equations in Physics covers sample topics such as: Application of the various flavors of the asymptotic perturbation method, such as the Maccari method to the governing equations of nonlinear system Nonlinear oscillators, limit cycles, and their bifurcations, iterated nonlinear maps, continuous systems, and nonlinear partial differential equations (NPDEs) Nonlinear systems, such as the van der Pol oscillator, with advanced coverage of plasma physics, quantum mechanics, elementary particle physics, cosmology, and chaotic systems Infinite-period bifurcation in the nonlinear Schrodinger equation and fractal and chaotic solutions in NPDEs Asymptotic Perturbation Methods for Nonlinear Differential Equations in Physics is ideal for an introductory course at the senior or first year graduate level. It is also a highly valuable reference for any professional scientist who does not possess deep knowledge about nonlinear physics.

Two of the most acclaimed reference works in the area of acoustics in recent years have been our "Encyclopedia of Acoustics, " 4 Volume set and the Handbook of Acoustics spin-off. These works, edited by Malcolm Crocker, positioned Wiley as a major player in the acoustics reference market. With our recently published revision of Beranek & Ver's "Noise and Vibration Control Engineering," Wiley is a highly respected name in the acoustics business.

Crocker's new handbook covers an area of great importance to engineers and designers. Noise and vibration control is one largest areas of application of the acoustics topics covered in the successful encyclopedia and handbook. It is also an area that has been under-published in recent years. Crocker has positioned this reference to cover the gamut of topics while focusing more on the applications to industrial needs. In this way the book will become the best single source of need-to-know information for the professional markets.

Papers from The American Ceramic Society's 31st International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites, held in Daytona Beach, Florida, January 21-26, 2007. Content includes papers on recent technical progress by national laboratories, universities and private industries on solid oxide fuel cell technology including SOFC component materials, processing, cell/stack fabrication and design, electrochemical performance and stability, long-term chemical interactions, interface engineering, modeling, test procedures and performance analysis.

This book describes the theory and practice of infrared and Raman spectroscopy as applied to the study of the physical and chemical characteristics of polymers. Its purpose is to give the beginning researcher in the field a firm foundation and a starting point for the study of more-advanced literature. To this end the book concentrates on the fundamentals of the theory and nomenclature, and on the discussion of well-documented illustrations of these fundamental principles, including many now-classic studies in the subject. No previous knowledge of either polymers or vibrational spectroscopy is assumed. The book will be of value to anyone beginning research on the vibrational spectroscopy of polymers, either from a physics or a chemistry background. It is intended to be especially suitable for use in undergraduate courses in physics, chemistry or materials science at both universities and polytechnics.

Zinc-Air Batteries Authoritative and comprehensive resource covering foundational knowledge of zinc-air batteries as well as their practical applications Zinc-Air Batteries provides a comprehensive understanding of the history and development of Zn-air batteries, with a systematic overview of components, design, and device innovation, along with recent advances in the field, especially with regards to the cathode catalyst design made by cutting-edge materials, engineering processes, and technologies. In particular, design principles regarding the key components of Zn-air batteries, ranging from air cathode, to zinc anode, and to electrolyte, are emphasized. Furthermore, industrial developments of Zn-air batteries are discussed and emerging new designs of Zn-air batteries are also introduced. The authors argue that designing advanced Zn-air battery technologies is important to the realization of efficient energy storage and conversion--and, going further, eventually holds the key to a sustainable energy future and a carbon-neutral goal. Edited and contributed to by leading professionals and researchers in the field, Zinc-Air Batteries also contains information regarding: Design of oxygen reduction catalysts in primary zinc-air batteries, including precious metals, single-atoms, carbons, and transition metal oxides Design of bifunctional oxygen catalysts in rechargeable zinc-air batteries, covering specific oxygen redox reactions and catalyst candidates Design of three-dimensional air cathode in zinc-air batteries, covering loading of carbon-based and transition metal catalysts, plus design of the three-phase interface Design of electrolyte for zinc-air batteries, including liquid electrolytes (e.g., alkaline) and gel polymer electrolytes (e.g., PVA hydrogel) For students, researchers, and instructors working in battery technologies, materials science, and electrochemistry, and for industry and government representatives for decision making associated with energy and transportation, Zinc-Air Batteries summarizes the research results on Zn-air batteries and thereby helps researchers and developers to implement the technology in practice.

Recycling of Power Lithium-Ion Batteries Explore the past, present, and future of power lithium-ion battery recycling, from the governing regulatory framework to predictions of the future of the industry In Recycling of Power Lithium-Ion Batteries: Technology, Equipment, and Policies, a team of distinguished researchers and engineers delivers an authoritative and illuminating exploration of the industrial status and development trends in the global power lithium-ion battery sector. The book examines the development of advanced battery materials and new recycling technologies, as well as typical case studies in enterprise battery recycling. The authors provide a roadmap to the development of spent power battery recycling enterprises that can provide support to the sustainable development industry. Recycling of Power Lithium-Ion Batteries discusses a wide variety of topics with immediate applications to modern industry, including new application scenarios for power lithium-ion batteries, as well as an examination of the laws, regulations, and standards governing battery recycling. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to the status and development of the lithium-ion battery and its key materials Fulsome discussions of battery recycling technologies and equipment, including pre-treatment technology for battery recycling Comprehensive explorations of the life cycle of power lithium-ion batteries and the impact of battery recycling Expansive treatments of the technology outlook in the lithium-ion battery space, including green battery design and recovery systems Perfect for materials scientists, environmental chemists, and power technology engineers, Recycling of Power Lithium-Ion Batteries: Technology, Equipment, and Policies will also earn a place in the libraries of chemical and process engineers, electrochemists, and professionals working at waste disposal sites.

This collection of over 200 papers from the 9th Biennial Worldwide Congress on Refractories is broad-ranging and diverse in perspective. Topics include steelmaking refractories, castable technology, global refractories education and technology and industrial applications. Numerous papers are from representatives from major international steel companies.

This book is a summary of microwave processing research, processing and characterization tools, and applications specifically applicable to ceramic engineers. It will serve as an update/summary of research related to microwave processing of ceramic materials and as an introductory book to those wishing to initiate microwave studies or who wish to determine the potential applications in their area of expertise.

PHYSICS, OPTICS, AND SPECTROSCOPY OF MATERIALS Bridges a gap that exists between optical spectroscopists and laser systems developers Physics, Optics, and Spectroscopy of Materials provides professionals and students in materials science and engineering, optics, and spectroscopy a basic understanding and tools for stimulating current research, as well as developing and implementing new laser devices in optical spectroscopy. The author--a noted expert on that subject matter--covers a wide range of topics including: effects of light and mater interaction such as light absorption, emission and scattering by atoms and molecules; energy levels in hydrogen, hydrogen-like atoms, and many electron atoms; electronic structure of molecules, classification of vibrational and rotational motions of molecules, wave propagation and oscillations in dielectric solids, light propagation in isotropic and anisotropic solids, including frequency doubling dividing and shifting, solid materials optics, and lasers. The book provides a basic overview of the laser and its comprising components. For example, the text describes methods for achieving fast Q-switching in laser cavities, and illustrates examples of several specific laser systems used in industry and scientific research. This important book: Provides a comprehensive background in material physics, optics, and spectroscopy Details examples of specific laser systems used in industry and scientific research including helium/neon laser, copper vapor laser, hydrogen-fluoride chemical laser, dye lasers, and diode lasers Presents a basic overview of the laser and its comprising components Elaborates on several important subjects in laser beams optics: divergence modes, lens transitions, and crossing of anisotropic crystals Written for research scientists and students in the fields of laser science and technology and materials optical spectroscopy, Physics, Optics, and Spectroscopy of Materials covers knowledge gaps for concepts including oscillator strength, allowed and forbidden transitions between electronic and vibrational states, Raman scattering, and group-theoretical states nomenclature.

Nanotechnology for Environmental Remediation Comprehensive resource on using nanomaterials to alleviate environmental pollution Contaminated land, soil and water pose a threat to the environment and health. These sites require immediate action in terms of assessing pollution and new remediation strategies. Nanotechnology for Environmental Remediation helps readers understand the potential of nanotechnology in resolving the growing problem of environmental contamination. The specific aim of this book is to provide comprehensive information relating to the progress in the development of functional nanomaterials and nanocomposites which are used for the environmental remediation of a variety of contaminants. The work deals with the different aspects of nanotechnology in water, air and soil contamination and presents the recent advances with a focus on remediation. Core topics discussed in the work include: Nanotechnology that can be used to engineer and tailor particles for specific environmental remediation applications A big-picture conceptual understanding of environmental remediation methods for researchers, environmentalists and professionals involved in assessing and developing new nano-based strategies A detailed approach towards the different remediation procedures by various nanomaterials such as metal nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and dendrimers The societal impact that nanotechnology has on the environment Chemists and biotechnologists can use Nanotechnology for Environmental Remediation as a comprehensive reference work for thoroughly understanding this new type of technology and why it is so important when considering environmental remediation efforts. Due to the practical application of nanotechnologies, environmental organizations and agencies can also both utilize the work to explore new and more effective ways of doing things, both now and into the future as nanotechnology becomes more common.

Coordination polymer is a general term used to indicate an infinite array composed of metal ions which are bridged by certain ligands among them. This incorporates a wide range of architectures including simple one-dimensional chains with small ligands to large mesoporous frameworks. Generally, the formation process proceeds automatically and, therefore, is called a self-assembly process. In general, the type and topology of the product generated from the self-assembly of inorganic metal nodes and organic spacers depend on the functionality of the ligand and valences and the geometric needs of the metal ions used. In this book the authors explain main group metal coordination polymer in bulk and nano size with some of their application, synthesis method and etc, The properties of these efficient materials are described at length including magnetism (long-range ordering, spin crossover), porosity (gas storage, ion and guest exchange), non-linear optical activity, chiral networks, reactive networks, heterogeneous catalysis, luminescence, multifunctional materials and other properties.

The latest issue in the industry-leading Ceramic Transactions series The most up to date entry in the Ceramic Transactions series published by The American Ceramic Society (ACerS), Ceramic Transactions: Volume 270 delivers the newest research, data, and information relevant to advanced ceramics and composites, electronic ceramics, energy materials, biomaterials, environmental issues, waste management, and nanotechnology.