Renewable energies have become an attractive option to overcome the energy demands in sustainable and affordable ways. It has been estimated that one-third of the total renewable energies would be generated from photovoltaics (PVs). A solar or PV cell is a device that directly converts sunlight into electricity by taking benefit of the photoelectric effect. In the third-generation solar PVs, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are believed to be the most promising and have attracted wide attention. The optimization of a DSSC is focused on four main components: (i) metal oxide semiconductor, (ii) photosensitizer, (iii) redox couple electrolyte, and (iv) counter electrode. Among these, the counter electrode undertakes three functions: (i) as a catalyst, (ii) as a positive electrode of primary cells, and (iii) as a mirror. To obey these functions, the electrode material should have high catalytic activity, high conductivity, high reflectivity, high surface area, and electrochemical and mechanical stability. To improve the performance of DSSCs, many scientists have developed new counter electrodes made of platinum, carbon materials, transition metals, conductive polymers, and composites. This book converses the various aspects of materials for the fabrication of counter electrodes especially for the DSSCs.

Design of new processes that avoid the use of toxic reagents has been the focus of intense research of late. Catalysis by metals and non-metals offers diverse opportunities for the development of new organic reactions with promising range of selectivities-chemoselectivity, regioselectivity, diastereoselectivity, and enantioselectivity. Furthermore, these transformations frequently occur under mild conditions, tolerate a broad array of functional groups, and proceed with high stereoselectivity. The area of catalysis is sometimes referred to as a 'foundational pillar' of green chemistry. Catalytic reactions often reduce energy requirements and decrease separations because of increased selectivity; they are also capable of permitting the use of renewable feedstocks of less toxic reagents or minimizing the quantities of reagents needed. New catalytic organic synthesis methodologies have, thus, offered several possibilities for considerable improvement in the eco-compatibility of fine chemical production. Hence, these catalytic methodologies have emerged as powerful tools for the efficient and chemoselective synthesis of heterocyclic molecules. Key Features: Presents the synthesis of different five-membered heterocycles. Contains the most up-to-date information in this fast-moving field. Covers novel catalytic approaches used in the study and application of catalysts in synthetic organic reactions. Presents new methodologies for the synthesis of heterocycles.

Autofrettage Processes: Technology and Modeling deals with the technology and modeling of autofrettage processes, explaining the subject in a lucid manner. It highlights how the theory of plasticity and finite element modeling are applied in the modeling of autofrettage processes. Aimed at senior students of mechanical, production, automobile, and chemical engineering, it has the potential to directly benefit practicing engineers and industrials, owing to the inclusion of topics like thermal autofrettage. Key Features: Provides a general introduction to autofrettage Covers the application of theory of plasticity and finite element modeling of autofrettage processes Offers exposure to newer autofrettage processes that to date have not been implemented in industries, along with useful practical data

As concerns with the efficient use of energy resources, and the minimization of environmental damage have come to the fore, there has been a renewed interest in the role that thermoelectric devices could play in generating electricity from waste heat, enabling cooling via refrigerators with no moving parts, and many other more specialized applications. The main problem in realizing this ambition is the rather low efficiency of such devices for general applications. This book deals with the proceedings of a workshop addressed that problems by reviewing the latest experimental and theoretical work on suitable materials for device applications and by exploring various strategies that might increase their efficiency.

The proceedings cover a broad range of approaches, from the experimental work of fabricating new compounds through to theoretical work in characterizing and understanding their properties. The effects of strong electron correlation, disorder, the proximity to metal-insulator transitions, the properties of layered composite materials, and the introduction of voids or cages into the structure to reduce the lattice thermal conductivity are all explored as ways of enhancing the efficiency of their use in thermoelectric devices.

This collection presents papers from a symposium on extraction of rare metals as well as rare extraction processing techniques used in metal production. Topics include the extraction and processing of elements such as rare earth metals including yttrium and scandium, gold, vanadium, cesium, zinc, copper, tellurium, bismuth, potassium, aluminum, iridium, titanium, manganese, uranium, rhenium, and tungsten. Rare processing techniques covered include supercritical fluid extraction, direct extraction processes for rare-earth recovery, biosorption of precious metals, and recovery of valuable components of commodity metals such as zinc, nickel, and metals from slag.

The updated and improved second edition of Direct Gear Design details a nonstandard gear design approach that makes it possible to significantly improve gear drive performance. Providing engineers with gear design solutions beyond standard limits, this book delivers engineers with practical and innovative solutions to optimize gearing technologies. The majority of modern gears are over-standardized, not allowing gear design engineers to see possible gear design solutions outside of standard limits. The book explores opportunities to improve and optimize gears beyond these limitations. The method of Direct Gear Design has been proven to maximise gear drive performance, increase transmission load capacity and efficiency, and reduce size and weight. Discussing the use of gears made from powder metal and plastic, the book surveys gear manufacture and makes use of extensive references to encourage further exploration of gear design innovation. Additionally, the book provides an overview of manufacturing technologies and traditional gear design, as well as covering topics such as asymmetric gears, tolerance selection and measurement methods of custom gears. Written accessibly, with a focus on practical examples, this fully updated edition will serve as a guidebook for all professionals exploring high-performance gearing system technologies.

Aluminum is increasingly replacing steel in automotive applications due to its superior strength-to-weight ratio, equal or better stiffness and toughness properties, durability, and manufacturability considerations. Primer on Automotive Lightweighting Technologies introduces basic ideas and principles of designing and engineering automotive components with aluminum. Topics include application of the knowledge to understand how automotive body and structures are designed, as well as other major and smaller automotive components, such as engine blocks and their components, chassis systems, and wheels. Features Discusses material considerations in engineering design Describes mechanical and physical properties of aluminum Covers manufacturing methods and automotive and industrial applications of aluminum products Offers information on design for functional performance and cost optimization Includes coverage of extruded and rolled products and car body structure This practical book is aimed at professionals in the fields of materials and mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, and metals and alloys, as well as advanced students and researchers.

Aluminium, magnesium and titanium are alloys of special interest for engineering applications in a wide range of sectors such as aeronautics, automotive and medical. Their low density, along with sufficient mechanical properties, makes them especially adequate for sectors such as transportation allowing diminishing weight less fuel consumption and emissions to the atmosphere. Nowadays, machining is still one the most important manufacturing processes, not only for metal parts, but also for specially designed hybrid parts for more demanding new applications. A wide range of valuable research has been done on the machining of conventional engineering materials. However, when dealing with light alloys and hybrid materials containing them, they need to face new challenges. Particularly, it is important to analyse the suitability of the machining of these alloys in the current context of Industry 4.0, focusing on the development of cost-effective and sustainable processes. This book is a comprehensive source on the machining of light alloys, presenting a collection of both experimental and review studies. The work is arranged in eight chapters, presented by a group of international scholars, which analyse the main problems related to the machining of these alloys from different perspectives. Key Features A comprehensive state-of-the-art reference source on machining of light alloys Provides research on conventional and non-conventional machining process Offers current research topics on sustainable machining Presents research on the machining of hybrid materials using light alloys Includes applications for Industry 4.0 environments Machining of Light Alloys: Aluminum, Titanium, and Magnesium The aim of the book is to serve as a tool for helping researchers and practitioners to face machining challenges and facilitating the development of new industrial applications for light alloys.

This handy book provides a single, up-to-date source of information for increasing the life of tool steels through optimized design and manufacturing. Supplying a solid understanding of the metallurgy involved, the text explains how material compositions, manufacturing processes, heat treatments, surface hardening techniques, and coatings affect tool steel properties, grades, and performance. It also explores real-life case studies and failure analyses, offering examples of die-life parameters and hints for modifying tool steels and heat treatments during cutting or forming processes. While the book offers deep coverage of properties, microstructure, and manufacturing, its focus is on describing the performance of each application of this special class of ferrous materials. Provides a single, up-to-date source of information for increasing the life of tool steels through optimized design and manufacturing. Explains how material compositions, manufacturing processes, heat treatments, surface hardening techniques, and coatings affect tool steel properties, grades, and performance. Supplies a solid understanding of the metallurgy involved in tool steel manufacturing, machining, hot and cold working, and molding. Offers examples of die-life parameters and hints for modifying tool steels and heat treatments during cutting or forming processes. Includes real-life case studies and failure analyses from the Villares Metals plant in Brazil.

The use of conducting polymers for the anticorrosion protection of metals has attracted great interest during the last 30 years. The design and development of conducting polymers-based coating systems with commercial viability is expected to be advanced by applying nanotechnology and has received substantial attention recently. This book begins with corrosion fundamentals and ends with an emphasis on developments made in conducting polymer science and technology using nanotechnology. Additionally, it gives a detailed account of experimental methods of corrosion testing.

Despite the vast knowledge accumulated on silicon, germanium, and their alloys, these materials still demand research, eminently in view of the improvement of knowledge on silicon-germanium alloys and the potentialities of silicon as a substrate for high-efficiency solar cells and for compound semiconductors and the ongoing development of nanodevices based on nanowires and nanodots. Silicon, Germanium, and Their Alloys: Growth, Defects, Impurities, and Nanocrystals covers the entire spectrum of R&D activities in silicon, germanium, and their alloys, presenting the latest achievements in the field of crystal growth, point defects, extended defects, and impurities of silicon and germanium nanocrystals. World-recognized experts are the authors of the book's chapters, which span bulk, thin film, and nanostructured materials growth and characterization problems, theoretical modeling, crystal defects, diffusion, and issues of key applicative value, including chemical etching as a defect delineation technique, the spectroscopic analysis of impurities, and the use of devices as tools for the measurement of materials quality.

Written by the leading authority in the field of solid-state phase transformations, Theory of Transformations in Steels is the first book to provide readers with a complete discussion of the theory of transformations in steel. Offers comprehensive treatment of solid-state transformations, covering the vast number in steels Serves as a single source for almost any aspect of the subject Features discussion of physical properties, thermodynamics, diffusion, and kinetics Covers ferrites, martensite, cementite, carbides, nitrides, substitutionally-alloyed precipitates, and pearlite Contains a thoroughly researched and comprehensive list of references as further and recommended reading With its broad and deep coverage of the subject, this work aims at inspiring research within the field of materials science and metallurgy.

This book informs the reader about a fascinating class of materials referred to as skutterudites, the atomic lattice of which has large structural voids that can be filled by a variety of foreign species, spanning from alkali to alkaline to rare earth ions. The fillers, in their unique way, drastically modify the physical properties of the parent structure, giving rise to outstanding thermoelectric properties. This exciting material is of growing importance and is finding applications in a variety of different fields. This book will be of interest to researchers working in materials science, physics, and chemistry in addition to graduate students in these subjects. Features: * Gives a comprehensive account of all fundamental physical properties of skutterudites * Each major topic is accompanied by introductory sections and a further detailed theoretical treatment is provided in Appendices * Supported by many figures and a vast number of relevant references

With contributions from experts from both academia and industry, this book provides up-to-date reviews and promising approaches for corrosion control of metals and alloys via sustainable biopolymers and carbon nanomaterials coatings, focusing on the wonder material "graphene" which is more solid than steel. This book delivers essential information for improving the environmental and economic viability of current coating technologies. It is also a valuable reference for those who are interested in corrosion science and corrosion protection including professionals from the industry as well as academia.

The book briefly describes the structure, properties and applications of various grades of steel, primarily aimed at non-metallurgical students from other engineering streams. The book consists of nine chapters covering most of the important types of steels and their physical metallurgy, microstructure and engineering applications including iron-carbon diagram, heat treatment, surface hardening methods, effect of alloying, specific applications, selection of materials, case studies and so forth. The book also contains subjective and objective questions aimed at exam preparation. Key Features Exclusive title aimed at introduction to steels for non-metallurgy audience Includes microstructure, composition, and properties of all the most commonly used steels Describes the heat treatments and the required alloying additions to process steel for the intended applications Discusses effects of alloying elements on steel Explores development of steels for specialized areas such as the automobile, aerospace, and nuclear industries

This book describes and explains the methods by which three related ores and recyclables are made into high purity metals and chemicals, for materials processing. It focuses on present day processes and future developments rather than historical processes. Nickel, cobalt and platinum group metals are key elements for materials processing. They occur together in one book because they (i) map together on the periodic table (ii) occur together in many ores and (iii) are natural partners for further materials processing and materials manufacturing. They all are, for example, important catalysts - with platinum group metals being especially important for reducing car and truck emissions. Stainless steels and CoNiFe airplane engine super alloys are examples of practical usage. The product emphasises a sequential, building-block approach to the subject gained through the author's previous writings (particularly Extractive Metallurgy of Copper in four editions) and extensive experience. Due to the multiple metals involved and because each metal originates in several types of ore - e.g. tropical ores and arctic ores this necessitates a multi-contributor work drawing from multiple networks and both engineering and science.

Twenty years after its first publication, Corrosion Science and Technology continues to be a relevant practical guide for students and professionals interested in material science. This Third Edition thoroughly covers the basic principles of corrosion science in the same reader-friendly manner that made the previous editioninvaluable, and enlarges the scope of the content with expanded chapters on processes for various metals and new technologies for limiting costs and metal degradation in a variety of commercial enterprises not explored in previous editions. This book also presents expertly developed methods of corrosion testing and prediction.

The use of magnesium alloys is increasing in a range of applications, and their popularity is growing wherever lightweight materials are needed. This book provides a comprehensive account of the corrosion of magnesium alloys. It covers not only the corrosion performances and mechanisms of Mg alloys in conventional environments, such as sodium chloride solutions, but also looks at their corrosion behaviours in special media, like engine coolants and simulated body fluids.
Part one covers fundamentals such as the corrosion electrochemistry, activity and passivity of magnesium and its alloys. Part two then considers the metallurgical effect in relation to the corrosion of magnesium alloys, including the role of micro-structure and earth-rare elements, the corrosion behaviour of magnesium-based bulk metallic glasses, and the corrosion of innovative magnesium alloys. Part three goes on to describe environmental influences on the corrosion of magnesium alloys, such as atmospheric corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, creep and fatigue behaviour, and galvanic corrosion. Finally, part four is concerned with various means of protecting magnesium alloys against corrosion through the use of aluminium electrodeposition, conversion and electrophoretic coatings, and anodisation.
With its distinguished editor and team of contributors, this book is an invaluable resource for metallurgists, engineers and designers working with magnesium and its alloys, as well as professionals in the aerospace and automotive industries.
Provides a comprehensive account of the corrosion of magnesium alloys covering fundamentals such as the corrosion electrochemistry, activity and passivityReviews the metallurgical effect in relation to the corrosion of magnesium alloys, including the role of micro-structure and earth-rare elementsAssesses environmental influences such as atmospheric corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, creep and fatigue behaviour, and galvanic corrosion

This edited book contains extended research papers from AIMTDR 2014. This includes recent research work in the fields of friction stir welding, sheet forming, joining and forming, modeling and simulation, efficient prediction strategies, micro-manufacturing, sustainable and green manufacturing issues etc. This will prove useful to students, researchers and practitioners in the field of materials forming and manufacturing.

Electrodissolution Processes: Fundamentals and Applications discusses the basic principles involved in high-rate anodic dissolution processes and their application in advanced machining, micromachining, and finishing operations. The fundamentals section of the book discusses the anodic dissolution behavior of different classes of metals and the influence of mass transport, current distribution, and surface film properties on the metal removal rate and surface finishing. The applications section of the book presents essential elements of electrochemical and assisted techniques for precision machining, micromachining, and polishing of advanced materials, including hard-to-machine conducting ceramic materials. Features A first-of-its-kind book that provides updated scientific and engineering information related to high-rate anodic dissolution processes Highlights the importance of the understanding of basic principles required for designing and optimizing ECM/EMM/EP processes Gives equal emphasis to the fundamentals and applications of electrodissolution processes Discusses the high-rate anodic dissolution of two broad classes of materials, namely, engineering and refractory materials Presents case studies to demonstrate the capabilities of different electrochemical and assisted machining, micromachining, and finishing operations Presents a dedicated chapter on electrochemical planarization of copper interconnects Madhav Datta is the Chairman of Amrita Center for Industrial Research and Innovation and a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Amrita University, Coimbatore, India.

This book is dedicated to the fundamental physical aspects of stability, the influence of structural defects on the properties and structural phase transformations of BCC alloys. The authors present patterns that occur in the structural-phase states of functional alloys with low stability or instability under thermal cycling effects. Structural-phase transformations and the physical laws governing the influence of the thermomechanical effect on the properties of alloys are examined to advance development of technological processes for processing functional materials. Features: Studies the correlation between structural phase states and changes in the physico-mechanical properties of intermetallic compounds Explores the influence of thermomechanical cycling on the properties of functional alloys Details low-stability pretransition states in alloys

Heavy metals and metalloids, singly or in combination, induce toxic manifestations either through acute or chronic pathology. In particular, long-term chronic exposure to diverse heavy metals and metalloids to humans and animals can lead to numerous physical, muscular, neurological, nephrological, and diverse degenerative diseases and dysfunctions, including multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and several others. Recognized heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, thallium, and hexavalent chromium are known for enormous toxicity. The immediate vital signs of acute heavy metal exposure include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and acute abdominal pain. Mercury has been identified as the most toxic heavy metal, and mercury poisoning is known as acrodynia or pink disease. Similarly, lead, another toxic heavy metal, was at one time an integral part of painting. Metal Toxicology Handbook further explains and discusses the varying attributes of metals, discussing toxicity, safety, and proper human utilization of metals. Beginning with a broad overview of metals, metalloids, redox biology, and neurodegeneration and going further into the roles, benefits, and toxicity of metals with each section, the text contains 28 chapters from eminent researchers and scientists in their respective fields and is a must-have for anyone researching the potential toxicity in metals. Key Features Discusses the pathology of metal toxicity Highlights the benefits of metals Explains the mechanism and salient features of restoring metabolic homeostasis Highlights dose-dependent beneficial and adverse effects of vanadium safety and toxicity The initial introductory section provides a broad overview of metals, metalloids, redox biology, and neurodegeneration. The second section discusses the pathology of metal toxicity in two chapters, while the third section highlights the mechanism and salient features of restoring metabolic homeostasis in two chapters. The fourth section demonstrates the aspect of radionuclides toxicity. In a change of pace, the fifth section discusses the benefits of metals in four chapters. The sixth section, titled "Toxic Manifestations by Diverse Heavy Metals and Metalloids," provides fourteen chapters that discuss the toxicological mechanism and manifestation of individual metals. The editors have crafted a commentary titled "A Treatise on Metal Toxicity" and summarized a vivid scenario of metal toxicity and its consequences.

Ultrasonic Welding of Metal Sheets covers various aspects of ultrasonic welding (USW) of metal sheets, including the discussion on modeling and numerical simulations of ultrasonic welding to improve this welding process and performance. This book aims to provide an accessible, comprehensive and up-to-date exposition of the various aspects of joining of dissimilar metal sheets ranging from its fundamentals thorough to metallurgical characteristics covering fundamental concepts, in-detailed explanation about the USW including its implementation, design criteria, work material, welding, thermo-mechanical and research scopes. The book is aimed at researchers, professionals and graduate students in manufacturing, welding, mechanical engineering. Features The ultrasonic spot welding of various metal sheets is described in simplified expression and concepts are elucidated by relevant illustrations. Discusses modeling and numerical simulations of ultrasonic welding to improve the ultrasonic welding process and performance As opposed to competition in the market, this title provides thorough clarification of ultrasonic spot welding of metal sheets with its applications.

Provides an introduction to fundamental mixer types, as well as variations on the classical mixer designs.

Synthetic Sorbent Materials Based on Metal Sulphides and Oxides focuses on development of inorganic nanomaterials for removal of metallic species from the aqueous environment. General synthetic methods to prepare such materials are lacking. This book investigates problems of controlled synthesis of these materials and the effect of their morphological characteristics on their sorption capacity. * Synthesizes experimental data on the synthesis of micro- and nanoparticles of zinc, copper, and cadmium sulfides, iron oxides, and manganese oxyhydroxide. * Discusses controlled synthesis of zinc, cadmium, and copper sulfide particles and their sorption properties. * Describes production of iron oxides (hematite and magnetite) and manganese oxyhydroxide particles. * Features numerous SEM images of the obtained nanostructures and original graphs of various characteristics. * Offers practical recommendations. This book is of interest to researchers and scientists working with inorganic synthesis and properties of sorption materials.