"God made solids, but surfaces were the work of the devil." This statement by Nobel prize winner Wolfgang Paul emphasizes the diabolic nature of surfaces. Since surface properties deviate significantly from the bulk solid state, surface studies can be puzzling, misleading, and quite exciting! This book is an introduction to the basics of surface science including thermodynamics, surface structure, experimental probes, spectroscopy, microscopy, and ion-scattering. Surfaces are the external border of materials to the external worlds, thus by exploring surfaces one can investigate the material.

Handbook of Materials Failure Analysis: With Case Studies from the Construction Industry provides a thorough understanding of the reasons materials fail in certain situations, covering important scenarios including material defects, mechanical failure due to various causes, and improper material selection and/or corrosive environment. The book begins with a general overview of materials failure analysis and its importance, and then logically proceeds from a discussion of the failure analysis process, types of failure analysis, and specific tools and techniques, to chapters on analysis of materials failure from various causes. Failure can occur for several reasons, including: materials defects-related failure, materials design-related failure, or corrosion-related failures. The suitability of the materials to work in a definite environment is an important issue. The results of these failures can be catastrophic in the worst case scenarios, causing loss of life. This important reference covers the most common types of materials failure, and provides possible solutions.

Advances in Ceramic Matrix Composites, Second Edition, delivers an innovative approach to ceramic matrix composites, focusing on the latest advances and materials developments. As advanced ceramics and composite materials are increasingly utilized as components in batteries, fuel cells, sensors, high-temperature electronics, membranes and high-end biomedical devices, and in seals, valves, implants, and high-temperature and wear components, this book explores the substantial progress in new applications. Users will gain knowledge of the latest advances in CMCs, with an update on the role of ceramics in the fabrication of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells for energy generation, and on natural fiber-reinforced eco-friendly geopolymer and cement composites. The specialized information contained in this book will be highly valuable to researchers and graduate students in ceramic science, engineering and ceramic composites technology, and engineers and scientists in the aerospace, energy, building and construction, biomedical and automotive industries.

Optical Thin Films and Coatings: From Materials to Applications, Second Edition, provides an overview of thin film materials and their properties, design and manufacture across a wide variety of application areas. Sections explore their design and manufacture and their unconventional features, including the scattering properties of random structures in thin films, optical properties at short wavelengths, thermal properties and color effects. Other chapters focus on novel materials, including organic optical coatings, surface multiplasmonics, optical thin films containing quantum dots, and optical coatings, including laser components, solar cells, displays and lighting, and architectural and automotive glass. The book presents a technical resource for researchers and engineers working with optical thin films and coatings. It is also ideal for professionals in the security, automotive, space and other industries who need an understanding of the topic.

The production of 'polymer nanocomposites' has recently gained considerable attention from both the academic and industrial community, especially in the area of nanoscience. This is mainly due to their enhanced improvements in physico-mechanical, thermal and barrier properties compared to micro and more conventional composites. Their nanoscale dimensions, biodegradable character, cost-effectiveness and sustainability have constituted a stimulus for this increasing interest. Currently there is no limit to the possibility of applications. However, despite all this progress, it is still difficult to achieve uniform dispersion between the filler and the matrix, as agglomerations form far too easily and the production of polymer nanocomposites with high mechanical and thermal properties is still limited. The authors of this proposed book, are of the opinion, that with the increase in scientific publications and the rapid progress in processing possibilities to produce nanocomposites based on various nanoscale fillers (silica/clay), a book that collects all of these scientific findings in one place would be timely and of great interest to both students and scientific researchers, who are concerned with the production, and application of nanocomposites as new innovative materials. The authors aim is to present the latest research findings on the fabrication, properties and applications of nanofillers as reinforcement in polymer nanocomposites. Particular emphasis will be placed on the introduction of various nanofillers (silica/clay) into different elastomeric polymer matrices that will enhance the properties of these materials and their applications. The book will provide an up-to-date review of major innovations in the field and act as a reference for future research in materials science and engineering, which is highly topical due to the demand to produce more sustainable and eco-friendly innovative advanced materials from elastomeric polymers.

Metal Oxides in Heterogeneous Catalysis is an overview of the past, present and future of heterogeneous catalysis using metal oxides catalysts. The book presents the historical, theoretical, and practical aspects of metal oxide-based heterogeneous catalysis. Metal Oxides in Heterogeneous Catalysis deals with fundamental information on heterogeneous catalysis, including reaction mechanisms and kinetics approaches.There is also a focus on the classification of metal oxides used as catalysts, preparation methods and touches on zeolites, mesoporous materials and Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in catalysis. It will touch on acid or base-type reactions, selective (partial) and total oxidation reactions, and enzymatic type reactions The book also touches heavily on the biomass applications of metal oxide catalysts and environmentally related/depollution reactions such as COVs elimination, DeNOx, and DeSOx. Finally, the book also deals with future trends and prospects in metal oxide-based heterogeneous catalysis.

Nanostructured Biomaterials for Cranio-maxillofacial and Oral Applications examines the combined impact of materials science, biomedical and chemical engineering, and biology to provide enhanced biomaterials for applications in maxillo-facial rehabilitation and implantology. With a strong focus on a variety of material classes, it examines material processing and characterization techniques to decrease mechanical and biological failure in the human body. After an introduction to the field, the most commonly used materials for cranio-facial applications, including ceramics, polymers and glass ceramics are presented. The book then looks at nanostructured surfaces, functionally graded biomaterials and the manufacturing of nanostructured materials via 3-D printing. This book is a valuable resource for scientists, researchers and clinicians wishing to broaden their knowledge in this important and developing field.

Corrosion and its Consequences for Reinforced Concrete Structures serves as an indispensable guide for engineers, scientists and researchers, exploring the fundamental aspects of corrosion in reinforced concrete. Its originality lies in the coupling between the reinforcement corrosion of reinforced concrete and its mechanical behavior.The authors describe the specific theoretical foundations of the corrosion of steel in concrete and its interactions with the structural aspects, including service cracking and defects in the placement of concrete. The book contains a study of the mechanisms of degradation of the mechanical behavior of reinforcements and the reinforced concrete composite, such as reduction of ductility, bearing capacity, redistribution of efforts by formation of plastic hinges and increase in the beam deflection in service. A diagnostic method based on corrosion-induced crack detection is presented in the book, and then paired with a recalculation method which allows us to predict the different aspects of the residual mechanical behavior. Several end-of-life ELS and ELU criteria are described, and the authors propose an approach to estimate the residual lifetime. Finally, the book presents the cathodic protection that allows the progression of corrosion to be contained within the corroded structures. As well as academics, this book is aimed at civil engineers who are faced with the issue of corrosion in aging structures.

Magnetic, Ferroelectric, and Multiferroic Metal Oxides covers the fundamental and theoretical aspects of ferroics and magnetoelectrics, their properties, and important technological applications, serving as the most comprehensive, up-to-date reference on the subject. Organized in four parts, Dr. Biljana Stojanovic leads expert contributors in providing the context to understand the material (Part I: Introduction), the theoretical and practical aspects of ferroelectrics (Part II: Ferroelectrics: From Theory, Structure and Preparation to Application), magnetic metal oxides (Part III: Magnetic Oxides: Ferromagnetics, Antiferromagnetics and Ferrimagnetics), multiferroics (Part IV: Multiferroic Metal Oxides) and future directions in research and application (Part V: Future of Metal Oxide Ferroics and Multiferroics). As ferroelectric materials are used to make capacitors with high dielectric constant, transducers, and actuators, and in sensors, reed heads, and memories based on giant magnetoresistive effects, this book will provide an ideal source for the most updated information.

Biodegradation has been the subject of active concern for the past 40 years. Recently, the field has expanded to encompass a wide variety of chemicals, a broad array of issues, and the development of the new bioremediation industry. This book presents the basic principles of biodegradation and shows how these principles relate to bioremediation. Authored by a world-renowned environmental microbiologist, Biodegradation and Bioremediation presents microbiological, chemical, toxicological, environmental, engineering, and technological aspects of the subject.
* Praise for the First Edition
* "Serves an important function in presenting a complete picture of biodegradation in the environment. I t] provides biologists, chemists and engineers interested in this process with information complementary to their own fields and thus belongs on the shelf of everybody active in the study of biodegradation and bioremediation."
* --JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY
* "A compendious account of the field in a form accessible to microbiologists, chemists, toxicologists and environmental scientists and engineers. His book succeeds admirably...Well indexed, its diagrams large and clear....It will serve as an excellent text for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate courses and as an invaluable source of reference to all those with a research interest in this expanding field."
* --SOCIETY FOR GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY QUARTERLY
* "The book could serve as a text for an upper-level or graduate class in the principles of biodegradation and bioremediation for microbiologists and environmental engineers. In summary, Alexander has prepared a cogent and well-organized review of the principles of biodegradation in a book that should prove useful to a great many people."
* --JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
* "Provides a unity of style, and generally, an excellent intellectual flow between topics....Alexander does a spectacular job of addressing the kinetics of degradation reactions--the discussion is one of the best I have seen, especially for those not well versed in mathematics."
* --BIOSCIENCE
* "Written by a very knowledgeable scientist...A very timely book...Recommended as a valuable resource for environmental scientists, engineers, or other persons with an interest in the use of organisms for environmental decontamination and a need for better insight into the principles underlying bioremediation."
* --SOIL SCIENCE

This book comprehensively summarizes important aspects of research in the active field of lignocellulosic (polymer) composites, including polymer materials from or containing cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. It describes how these materials can be produced from forest products and natural fibers from sources such as jute, flax, sisal, and many more, and even from agricultural residues (like wheat straw, corn stover, or sugarcane bagasse). In times of high demand for renewable green materials, lignocellulosic materials from organic matter produced by trees, shrubs and agricultural crops present a highly attractive feedstock. The international authors explain different treatment and fabrication methods for the production of lignocellulosic materials. Other chapters address the properties of these green materials or illustrate specific applications, ranging from food packaging and household products to adsorbents and even conductive polymer composites. In this way, this book offers a broad and comprehensive overview over the entire field of lignocellulosic composite materials.

Corrosion is a degrading material process frequently encountered in engineering structures and components, which may lead to costly and catastrophic failures if not properly and timely addressed. This volume describes a wide spectrum of experimental and analytical studies, which provide a fairly comprehensive account of corrosion manifestations and methodologies for addressing them in structural and industrial design. As such, it is expected to make a valuable reference publication for engineers and scientists interested in the protection of structures and components from harmful and potentially ruinous corrosive action.The collected articles comprising this volume address issues which can be categorised into two main areas. The first is concerned with material science approaches to corrosion, that is, visual or instrumental means of assessing existing behaviour or effectiveness of corrective measures and techniques. The second part of the volume comprises boundary element simulations of cathodic protection schemes for the purpose of predicting and optimising their performance.A number of practical problems are analysed such as: the coating condition on a ballast tank wall; the impressed current cathodic protection of an offshore platform and minimizing a ship's electric and magnetic signature. Topics covered include: Elemental identification; Material loss; Strain fields; Stress corrosion cracking; Corrosion resistance; Fretting corrosion; Contact surface damage; Electrochemical testing; Coating conditions; Cathodic protection; Current density distribution; Pipelines and deep well casings; Electric and magnetic signatures; Coating damage effects; Galvanic corrosion.

Industrial Cutting of Textile Materials, Second Edition, is a comprehensive guide to cutting room operations, offering step-by-step information on processes, technologies and best practice. This new edition is updated to present the latest advances in automated cutting technology, including advanced spreading methods and machines, advanced knife cutting systems, and pattern matching methods processing garment, home and technical textiles. Drawing on her extensive practical experience, the author begins by reviewing initial steps, such as unloading, sorting and quality control of materials, before discussing subsequent operations, including lay planning and marker making, manual and automated spreading and cutting, fusing of cut components, and final work operations such as sorting cut components for further joining. The book also covers manual and advanced automated marker making, spreading and cutting methods for more intricate fabrics, such as striped fabrics and fabrics with check, motif and border patterns, narrow lace and fabrics with pile. With essential information on cutting room operations and best practice, this book provides engineers, technologists and managers with the knowledge they need to maximize accuracy and efficiency, to control production processes effectively, and to improve product quality. The book also enables academics and students engaged in the field of textile and clothing technology to gain a solid understanding of cutting room procedures.

Biomedical Applications of Functionalized Nanomaterials: Concepts, Development and Clinical Translation presents a concise overview of the most promising nanomaterials functionalized with ligands for biomedical applications. The first section focuses on current strategies for identifying biological targets and screening of ligand to optimize anchoring to nanomaterials, providing the foundation for the remaining parts. Section Two covers specific applications of functionalized nanomaterials in therapy and diagnostics, highlighting current practice and addressing major challenges, in particular, case studies of successfully developed and marketed functionalized nanomaterials. The final section focuses on regulatory issues and clinical translation, providing a legal framework for their use in biomedicine. This book is an important reference source for worldwide drug and medical devices policymakers, biomaterials scientists and regulatory bodies.

This book provides a general introduction to nanogels, and designs of various stimuli-sensitive nanogels that are able to control drug release in response to specific stimuli. Nanogels are three-dimensional nanosized networks that formed by physically or chemically crosslinking polymers. They have highly interesting properties such as biocompatibility, high stability, particle size adjustment, drug loading capability and modification of the surface for active targeting. They can respond to stimuli which results in the controlled release of drug and targeting of the site.

This book presents the statistical theory of complex wave scattering and quantum transport in physical systems which have chaotic classical dynamics, as in the case of microwave cavities and quantum dots, or which possess quenched randomness, as in the case of disordered conductors - with an emphasis on mesoscopic fluctuations. The statistical regularity of the phenomena is revealed in a natural way by adopting a novel maximum-entropy approach. Shannon's information entropy is maximised, subject to the symmetries and constraints which are physically relevant, within the powerful and non-perturbative theory of random matrices; this is a most distinctive feature of the book. Aiming for a self-contained presentation, the quantum theory of scattering, set in the context of quasi-one-dimensional, multichannel systems, and related directly to scattering problems in mesoscopic physics, is introduced in chapters two and three. The linear-response theory of quantum electronic transport, adapted to the context of mesoscopic systems, is discussed in chapter four. These chapters, together with chapter five on the maximum-entropy approach and chapter eight on weak localization, have been written in a most pedagogical style, suitable for use on graduate courses. In chapters six and seven, the problem of electronic transport through classically chaotic cavities and quasi-one-dimensional disordered systems is discussed. Many exercises are included, most of which are worked through in detail, aiding graduate students, teachers, and research scholars interested in the subject of quantum transport through disordered and chaotic systems.

Thermosets: Structure, Properties, and Applications, Second Edition builds on and updates the existing review of mechanical and thermal properties, as well as rheology and curing processes of thermosets, and the role of nanostructures in thermoset toughening. All chapters have been updated or re-written, and new chapters have been added to reflect ongoing changes and developments in the field of thermosetting materials and the applications of these materials. Applications of thermosets are the focus of the second part of the book, including the use of thermosets in the building and construction industry, aerospace technology and as insulation materials. Thermoset adhesives and coatings, including epoxy resins, acrylates and polyurethanes are also discussed, followed by a review of thermosets for electrical applications. New chapters include coverage of thermoset nanocomposites, recycling issues, and applications such as consumer goods, transportation, energy and defence. With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, the second edition of Thermosets: Structure, Properties, and Applications is an essential guide for engineers, chemists, physicists and polymer scientists involved in the development, production and application of thermosets, as well as providing a useful review for academic researchers in the field.

This book addresses a range of synthesis and characterization techniques that are critical for tailoring and broadening the various aspects of polymer gels, as well as the numerous advantages that polymer gel-based materials offer. It presents a comprehensive collection of chapters on the recent advances and developments in the science and fundamentals of both synthetic and natural polymer-based gels. Topics covered include: synthesis and structure of physically/chemically cross-linked polymer-gels/polymeric nanogels; gel formation through non-covalent cross-linking; molecular design and characterization; polysaccharide-based polymer gels: synthesis, characterization, and properties; modified polysaccharide gels: silica-based polymeric gels as platforms for the delivery of pharmaceuticals; gel-based approaches in genomic and proteomic sciences; emulgels in drug delivery; and organogels. The book provides a cutting-edge resource for researchers and scientists working in various fields involving polymers, biomaterials, bio-nanotechnology and functional materials.

Emerging Nanotechnologies in Dentistry, Second Edition, brings together an international team of experts from the fields of materials science, nanotechnology and dentistry to explain these new materials and their applications for the restoration, fixation, replacement or regeneration of hard and soft tissues in and about the oral cavity and craniofacial region. New nanomaterials are leading to a range of emerging dental treatments that utilize more biomimetic materials that more closely duplicate natural tooth structure (or bone, in the case of implants). Each chapter has been comprehensively revised from the first edition, and new chapters cover important advances in graphene based materials for dentistry, liposome based nanocarriers and the neurotoxicity of nanomaterials used in dentistry.

This book not only introduces the chemistry and physicochemical properties of phthalonitrile resins, but also describes strategies for crosslinking and structural modification. The authors explore blends and composites of phthalonitriles with other high-performance polymers and give an outlook on the future of the field.

For many years, evidence suggested that all solid materials either possessed a periodic crystal structure as proposed by the Braggs or they were amorphous glasses with no long-range order. In the 1970s, Roger Penrose hypothesized structures (Penrose tilings) with long-range order which were not periodic. The existence of a solid phase, known as a quasicrystal, that possessed the structure of a three dimensional Penrose tiling, was demonstrated experimentally in 1984 by Dan Shechtman and colleagues. Shechtman received the 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his discovery. The discovery and description of quasicrystalline materials provided the first concrete evidence that traditional crystals could be viewed as a subset of a more general category of ordered materials. This book introduces the diversity of structures that are now known to exist in solids through a consideration of quasicrystals (Part I) and the various structures of elemental carbon (Part II) and through an analysis of their relationship to conventional crystal structures. Both quasicrystals and the various allotropes of carbon are excellent examples of how our understanding of the microstructure of solids has progressed over the years beyond the concepts of traditional crystallography.

Quantitative Data Processing in Scanning Probe Microscopy: SPM Applications for Nanometrology, Second Edition describes the recommended practices for measurements and data processing for various SPM techniques, also discussing associated numerical techniques and recommendations for further reading for particular physical quantities measurements. Each chapter has been revised and updated for this new edition to reflect the progress that has been made in SPM techniques in recent years. New features for this edition include more step-by-step examples, better sample data and more links to related documentation in open source software. Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) techniques have the potential to produce information on various local physical properties. Unfortunately, there is still a large gap between what is measured by commercial devices and what could be considered as a quantitative result. This book determines to educate and close that gap. Associated data sets can be downloaded from http://gwyddion.net/qspm/

Micro-nanoelectronics Devices: Modeling of Diffusion and Operation Processes concentrates on the modeling of diffusion processes and the behavior of modern integrated components, from material, to architecture. It goes through the process, the device and the circuit regarding today's widely discussed nano-electronics, both from an industry perspective and that of public entities.