PROCESSING OF CERAMICS A firsthand account of the "transparent ceramics revolution" from one of the pioneers in the field Processing of Ceramics: Breakthroughs in Optical Materials is an in-depth survey of the breakthrough research and development of transparent ceramics, covering historical background, theory, manufacturing processes, and applications. Written by an internationally-recognized leader in the technology, this authoritative volume describes advances in optical grade ceramics over the past three decades--from the author's first demonstration of laser ceramics in Japan in 1991 to new applications of transparent ceramics such as ceramic jewels, wireless heating elements, and mobile device displays. The author provides numerous development examples of laser ceramics, crystal and ceramic scintillators, magneto-optic transparent ceramics, optical ceramic phosphors for solid state lighting, and more. Detailed chapters cover topics such as the technical problems of conventional translucent and transparent ceramics, the characteristics of scintillation materials, single crystal and ceramic scintillator fabrication and optimization, and solid-state crystal growth (SSCG) methods for single crystal ceramics. Processing of Ceramics: Outlines the author's 30 years of work in the area of transparent ceramics Provides a detailed history of the world's first ceramic laser development Demonstrates how laser oscillation using ceramic materials match or surpass high-quality single crystals Describes how innovative polycrystalline ceramics have transformed optical material development Includes extensive references, chapter introductions and summaries, and numerous graphs, tables, diagrams, and color images Processing of Ceramics is an invaluable resource for researchers, materials scientists, engineers, and other professionals across academic and industrial fields involved in the development and application of optical grade ceramics.

Polysaccharide Carriers for Drug Delivery presents the latest information on the selection of safe materials. Due to reported safety profiles on polysaccharides; they have been the natural choice for investigation. A wide variety of drug delivery and biomedical systems have been studied, however, the related information either concept-wise or application-oriented is scattered, therefore becoming difficult for readers and researchers to digest in a concise manner. This gathering of information will help readers easily comprehend the subject matter.

Creep and Fatigue in Polymer Matrix Composites, Second Edition, updates the latest research in modeling and predicting creep and fatigue in polymer matrix composites. The first part of the book reviews the modeling of viscoelastic and viscoplastic behavior as a way of predicting performance and service life. Final sections discuss techniques for modeling creep rupture and failure and how to test and predict long-term creep and fatigue in polymer matrix composites.

Materials for Biomedical Engineering: Absorbable Polymers provides a detailed and comprehensive review of recent progress in absorbable biopolymers and their impact on biomedical engineering. The book's main focus lies in their classification, processing, properties and performance, biocompatibility, and their applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, bone repair and regenerative medicine. The most up-to-date methods used to obtain such polymers and how to improve their properties is discussed in detail. This book provides readers with a comprehensive and updated review of the latest research in the field of absorbable polymers for biomedical applications.

Polylactic Acid: A Practical Guide for the Processing, Manufacturing, and Applications of PLA, Second Edition, provides a practical guide for engineers and scientists working in PLA and on the development of emerging new products. The current market situation for PLA and biodegradable polymers is described, along with applications across a range of market sectors. In addition, the mechanical, chemical, thermal, rheology and degradation properties are included. Updates include new chapters covering various processing methods, as well as recycling methods, and additives and processing aids. New applications cover a range of products (including 3D Printing), and an environmental assessment, including regulatory aspects. The book is not only a useful introduction to this topic, but also a practical, readily applicable reference book that will support decision-making in the plastics industry.

Advances in Nonvolatile Memory and Storage Technology, Second Edition, addresses recent developments in the non-volatile memory spectrum, from fundamental understanding, to technological aspects. The book provides up-to-date information on the current memory technologies as related by leading experts in both academia and industry. To reflect the rapidly changing field, many new chapters have been included to feature the latest in RRAM technology, STT-RAM, memristors and more. The new edition describes the emerging technologies including oxide-based ferroelectric memories, MRAM technologies, and 3D memory. Finally, to further widen the discussion on the applications space, neuromorphic computing aspects have been included. This book is a key resource for postgraduate students and academic researchers in physics, materials science and electrical engineering. In addition, it will be a valuable tool for research and development managers concerned with electronics, semiconductors, nanotechnology, solid-state memories, magnetic materials, organic materials and portable electronic devices.

Bioelectronics and Medical Devices: From Materials to Devices-Fabrication, Applications and Reliability reviews the latest research on electronic devices used in the healthcare sector, from materials, to applications, including biosensors, rehabilitation devices, drug delivery devices, and devices based on wireless technology. This information is presented from the unique interdisciplinary perspective of the editors and contributors, all with materials science, biomedical engineering, physics, and chemistry backgrounds. Each applicable chapter includes a discussion of these devices, from materials and fabrication, to reliability and technology applications. Case studies, future research directions and recommendations for additional readings are also included. The book addresses hot topics, such as the latest, state-of the-art biosensing devices that have the ability for early detection of life-threatening diseases, such as tuberculosis, HIV and cancer. It covers rehabilitation devices and advancements, such as the devices that could be utilized by advanced-stage ALS patients to improve their interactions with the environment. In addition, electronic controlled delivery systems are reviewed, including those that are based on artificial intelligences.

Numerical Modeling of Masonry and Historical Structures: From Theory to Application provides detailed information on the theoretical background and practical guidelines for numerical modeling of unreinforced and reinforced (strengthened) masonry and historical structures. The book consists of four main sections, covering seismic vulnerability analysis of masonry and historical structures, numerical modeling of unreinforced masonry, numerical modeling of FRP-strengthened masonry, and numerical modeling of TRM-strengthened masonry. Each section reflects the theoretical background and current state-of-the art, providing practical guidelines for simulations and the use of input parameters.

Nanomaterials from Clay Minerals: A New Approach to Green Functional Materials details the structure, properties and modification of natural nanoscale clay minerals and their application as the green constituent of functional materials. Natural nanomaterials from clay minerals have diverse morphologies, from 1D to 3D, including nanorods, nanofibers, nanotubes, nanosheets and nanopores. These structures show excellent adsorption, reinforcing, supporter, electronic, catalytic and biocompatible properties and are great as sustainable alternatives for toxic or expensive artificial materials. This book provides systematic coverage of clay nanomaterials as eco-friendly resources, emphasizing the importance of such materials in a range of industries, including biomedicine, energy and electronics. This book will provide an important reference for materials scientists and engineers who have an interest in sustainable material development.

Developments in Surface Contamination and Cleaning: Methods for Assessment and Verification of Cleanliness of Surfaces and Characterization of Surface Contaminants, Volume Twelve, the latest release in the Developments in Surface Contamination and Cleaning series, provides best practices on determining surface cleanliness. Chapters include an introduction to the nature and size of particles, a discussion of cleanliness levels, detailed coverage of measurement methods, characterization methods and analytical methods for evaluating surfaces, and an overview of analysis methods for various contaminants. As a whole, the series creates a unique and comprehensive knowledge base for those in research and development in a variety of industries. Manufacturing, quality control and procurement specification professionals in the aerospace, automotive, biomedical, defense, energy, manufacturing, microelectronics, optics and xerography industries will find this book to be very helpful. In addition, researchers in an academic setting will also find these volumes excellent source books.

Grid-Scale Energy Storage Systems and Applications provides a timely introduction to state-of-the-art technologies and important demonstration projects in this rapidly developing field. Written with a view to real-world applications, the authors describe storage technologies and then cover operation and control, system integration and battery management, and other topics important in the design of these storage systems. The rapidly-developing area of electrochemical energy storage technology and its implementation in the power grid is covered in particular detail. Examples of Chinese pilot projects in new energy grids and micro grips are also included. Drawing on significant Chinese results in this area, but also including data from abroad, this will be a valuable reference on the development of grid-scale energy storage for engineers and scientists in power and energy transmission and researchers in academia.

Biomaterials for Skin Repair and Regeneration examines a range of materials and technologies used for regenerating or repairing skin. With a strong focus on biomaterials and scaffolds, the book also examines the testing and evaluation pathway for human clinical trials. Beginning by introducing the fundamentals on skin tissue, the book goes on to describe contemporary technology used in skin repair as well as currently available biomaterials suitable for skin tissue repair and regeneration. Skin tissue engineering and the ideal requirements to take into account when developing skin biomaterials are discussed, followed by information on the individual materials used for skin repair and regeneration. As evaluation of biomaterials in animal models is mandatory before proceeding into human clinical trials, the book also examines the different animal models available. With a strong focus on materials, engineering, and application, this book is a valuable resource for materials scientists, skin biologists, and bioengineers with an interest in tissue engineering, regeneration, and repair of skin.

Nanomaterials Synthesis: Design, Fabrication and Applications combines the present and emerging trends of synthesis routes of nanomaterials with the incorporation of various technologies. The book covers the new trends and challenges in the synthesis and surface engineering of a wide range of nanomaterials, including emerging technologies used for their synthesis. Significant properties, safety and sustainability and environmental impacts of the synthesis routes are explored. This book is an important information source that will help materials scientists and engineers who want to learn more about how different classes of nanomaterials are designed.

Perovskite Metal Oxides: Synthesis, Properties and Applications provides an overview on the topic, including the synthesis of various types of perovskites, their properties, characterization and application. The book reviews the applications of this category of materials for photovoltaics, electronics, biomedical, fuel cell, photocatalyst, sensor, energy storage and catalysis, along with processing techniques of perovskite metal oxides with a focus on low-cost and high-efficiency methods, including various properties and probable applications in academia and industry. Other sections discuss strategies to improve the functionality of perovskite metal oxide materials, including chemical methods and controlling the size, shape and structure of the materials. Finally, applications of perovskite metal oxides in energy conversion and storage, sensing and electronics are covered.

Theranostic Bionanomaterials is an invaluable study of recent advances and trends in the development and application of functional bionanomaterials for theranostic applications. This book describes the design and characterization of nanomaterials which exhibit distinctive physical, chemical and biological properties and discusses how these functional nanomaterials enable the precise manipulation of architectural, physical and biochemical cell microenvironments in vitro. In addition, it covers how they can act as the carriers of diagnostic or therapeutic agents, thus providing new pathways or strategies for disease diagnosis and treatment. Specific chapters discuss protein delivery, drug delivery, tissue regeneration, bioimaging, biodetection, and much more. This book will be a critical resource for those involved in cutting-edge research in theranostics bionanomaterial.

Self-Cleaning of Surfaces and Water Droplet Mobility deals with the self-cleaning of hydrophobic surfaces. Chapters cover the basics of wetting states of fluids and surface characteristics in terms of texture topology and free energy. The self-cleaning aspects of surfaces, such as various synthesizing and fabrication processes are then introduced and discussed, along with environmental dust properties, including elemental compositions, particle sizes and shapes, and their chemo-mechanics characteristics. In addition, mud formation in humid air, as well as ambient and dry mud adhesion on optically transparent surfaces is explored, as is water droplet dynamics on hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces, amongst other topics. The book fills the gap between the physical fundamentals of surface energy and texture characteristics for practical applications of surface cleaning and provides a basic understanding of the self-cleaning of surfaces that will be idea for academics, researchers and students.

Biocompatible Hybrid Oxide Nanoparticles for Human Health: From Synthesis to Applications explores the synthesis, structure, properties and applications of functionalized oxide nanoparticles. The books shows the applications of materials depending on their composition and structure, with a focus on silicon, titanium and iron oxides, each of which was chosen because of their unique features, including silica because it is chemically resistant to most organic solvents, harmless to living organisms, can thicken flowable formulations, and increase the strength of materials, titania for its unique chemical, optical, electrophysical and bactericidal properties, and iron-containing materials because they possess important magnetic properties.

Ultra-wide Bandgap Semiconductors (UWBG) covers the most recent progress in UWBG materials, including sections on high-Al-content AlGaN, diamond, B-Ga2O3, and boron nitrides. The coverage of these materials is comprehensive, addressing materials growth, physics properties, doping, device design, fabrication and performance. The most relevant and important applications are covered, including power electronics, RF electronics and DUV optoelectronics. There is also a chapter on novel structures based on UWBG, such as the heterojunctions, the low-dimensional structures, and their devices. This book is ideal for materials scientists and engineers in academia and R&D searching for materials superior to silicon carbide and gallium nitride.

Nanomedicine is a developing field, which includes different disciplines such as material science, chemistry, engineering and medicine devoted to the design, synthesis and construction of high-tech nanostructures. The ability of these structures to have their chemical and physical properties tuned by structural modification, has allowed their use in drug delivery systems, gene therapy delivery, and various types of theranostic approaches. Colloidal noble metal nanoparticles and other nanostructures have many therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The concept of drug targeting as a magic bullet has led to much research in chemical modification to design and optimize the binding to targeted receptors. It is important to understand the precise relationship between the drug and the carrier and its ability to target specific tissues, and pathogens to make an efficient drug delivery system. This book covers advances based on different drug delivery systems: polymeric and hyper branched nanomaterials, carbon-based nanomaterials, nature-inspired nanomaterials, and pathogen-based carriers.

New Trends in Natural Dyes for Textiles addresses 20 natural dyes that are finding innovative uses in industry and academia. It comprehensively addresses issues relating to natural dyes and dyeing problems, including efficient extraction and standardization of dyes, dyes structure, dyes characterization and identification. Readers working in the dyeing of textiles will learn how to improve practices to minimize environmental pollution, avoid bad dyeing, and select the best mordants to fix colorant compounds. Key benefits of natural dyes over synthetic are examined in detail, providing readers with an understanding of the importance of natural dyes and the proper methods for applying them.

Materials for Biomedical Engineering: Bioactive Materials for Antimicrobial, Anticancer, and Gene Therapy offers an up-to-date perspective on recent research findings regarding the application and use of these materials for disease treatment and prevention. Various types of currently investigated bioactive materials, including therapeutic nanostructures and antimicrobial hydrogels are discussed, as are their properties, impact and future role in therapeutic applications. The book will be extremely useful for new researchers who want to explore more information on the use of bioactive materials or for more experienced researchers who are interested in new trends and specific applications.

Biobased Polymers: Properties and Applications in Packaging looks at how biopolymers may be used in packaging as a potential green solution. The book addresses bio-based feedstocks, production processes, packaging types, recent trends in packaging, the environmental impact of bio-based polymers, and legislative demands for food contact packaging materials. Chapters explore opportunities for biopolymers in key end-use sectors, the penetration of biopolymer based concepts in the packaging market, and barriers to widespread commercialization. As the development of bio-based material is an important factor for sustainably growing the packaging industry, these recent trends in consumer markets are extremely important as we move towards greener packaging. Hence, this resource is an invaluable addition on the topic.