Nanocomposites as Next-Generation Optical Materials


Book Description

This book looks at advanced nanocomposites, introducing long-awaited concepts towards bridging the gap between nanostructured optical materials and next-generation imaging systems. It investigates nanocomposites as bulk optical materials and highlights the immense potential they hold for real-world optical elements and systems, such as smartphone cameras. It covers the full spectrum of nanocomposite optical materials from their fundamental properties to analytical modeling and detailed application examples. This book also provides an in-depth discussion of the role these new materials play in the development of broadband flat optics – diffractive optical elements used for enhancing high-end broadband imaging systems. Written by an industry expert, this book seamlessly connects fundamental research and real-world applications. It is the ideal guide both for optical engineers working towards integrating new technologies, and researchers involved with fundamental research on optical materials.




Polymer-Based Advanced Functional Composites for Optoelectronic and Energy Applications


Book Description

Polymer-Based Advanced Functional Composites for Optoelectronic and Energy Applications explains how polymer-based smart composites and nanocomposites can be prepared and utilized for novel optical, sensor and energy-related applications. The book begins with an introductory section on the fundamentals of smart polymer composites, including structure-property relationships and conjugated polymers. Other sections examine optical applications, including the use of polymer-based smart composites for luminescent solar concentrators, electro-chromic applications, light conversion applications, ultraviolet shielding applications, LED encapsulation applications, sensor applications, including gas-sensing, strain sensing, robotics and tactile sensors, with final sections covering energy-related applications, including energy harvesting, conversion, storage, vibrational energy harvesting, and more. This is an essential guide for researchers, scientists and advanced students in smart polymers and materials, polymer science, composites, nanocomposites, electronics and materials science. It is also a valuable book for scientists, R&D professionals and engineers working with products that could utilize smart polymer composites. - Provides thorough coverage of the latest pioneering research in the field of polymer-based smart composites - Offers an applications-oriented approach, enabling the reader to understand state-of-the-art optical, sensor and energy applications - Includes an in-depth introductory section, covering important aspects such as structure-property relationships and the role of conjugated polymers




Fundamentals, Properties, and Applications of Polymer Nanocomposites


Book Description

This book is focused primarily on polymer nanocomposites, based on the author's research experience as well as open literature. The environmental health and safety aspects of nanomaterials and polymer nanocomposites, risk assessment and safety standards, and fire toxicity of polymer nanocomposites, are studied. In the final chapter, a brief overview of opportunities, trends, and challenges of polymer nanocomposites are included. Throughout the book, the theme is developed that polymer nanocomposites are a whole family of polymeric materials whose properties are capable of being tailored to meet specific applications. This volume serves as a general introduction to students and researchers just entering the field and to scholars from other subfields seeking information.




Plastic Scintillators


Book Description

This book introduces the physics and chemistry of plastic scintillators (fluorescent polymers) that are able to emit light when exposed to ionizing radiation, discussing their chemical modification in the early 1950s and 1960s, as well as the renewed upsurge in interest in the 21st century. The book presents contributions from various researchers on broad aspects of plastic scintillators, from physics, chemistry, materials science and applications, covering topics such as the chemical nature of the polymer and/or the fluorophores, modification of the photophysical properties (decay time, emission wavelength) and loading of additives to make the material more sensitive to, e.g., fast neutrons, thermal neutrons or gamma rays. It also describes the benefits of recent technological advances for plastic scintillators, such as nanomaterials and quantum dots, which allow features that were previously not achievable with regular organic molecules or organometallics.




Holographic Materials and Optical Systems


Book Description

Holographic Materials and Optical Systems covers recent research achievements in the areas of volume holographic optical elements and systems, development of functionalized holographic recording materials, and applications in holographic imaging and metrology. Designs of single and multiplexed volume holographic optical elements for laser beam shaping, combining, and redirection are covered, and their properties are studied theoretically and experimentally. The high impact of holography in imaging and metrology is demonstrated by applications spreading from thickness and surface measurements, through antenna metrology and analyzing high-density gradients in fluid mechanics to characterization of live objects in clinical diagnostics. Novel functionalized materials used in dynamic or permanent holographic recording cover photopolymers, photochromics, photo-thermo-refractive glasses, and hybrid organic-inorganic media.




Nanocomposites-Advanced Materials for Energy and Environmental Aspects


Book Description

Nanocomposites-Advanced Materials for Energy and Environmental Aspects provides a brief introduction to metal oxides. The book then discusses novel fabrication methodologies and eco-friendly methods for using a broad range of metal oxide-based nanocomposites in innovative ways. Key aspects include fundamental characteristics of environmentally sustainable fabrication of materials for solar power, power generation and the textiles industries. Commercialization and economic aspects that are currently of major significance are also discussed in detail. The book represents an important information resource for material scientists and engineers to create the next generation of products and devices for energy and environmental applications. Metal and metal oxide-based nanocomposites are at the heart of some of the most exciting developments in the field of energy and environmental research. They have exceptional properties and are utilized in electronic and environmental sensing devices, for energy storage, electrode materials, fuel cells, membranes, and more. - Covers fabrication, standard characterization and photocatalytic mechanism for a wide range of applications - Includes broad ranging metal and metal oxide-based applications covering environmental, energy, electronics, oil, gas, water treatment and sensing - Evaluates dye consumption in the textiles industries and the energy related research that will determine options for sustainable and transformational opportunities




Polymer Composites, Nanocomposites


Book Description

Polymer composites are materials in which the matrix polymer isreinforced with organic/inorganic fillers of a definite size andshape, leading to enhanced performance of the resultant composite.These materials find a wide number of applications in such diversefields as geotextiles, building, electronics, medical, packaging,and automobiles. This first systematic reference on the topic emphasizes thecharacteristics and dimension of this reinforcement. The authors are leading researchers in the field from academia,government, industry, as well as private research institutionsacross the globe, and adopt a practical approach here, coveringsuch aspects as the preparation, characterization, properties andtheory of polymer composites. The book begins by discussing the state of the art, new challenges,and opportunities of various polymer composite systems. Interfacialcharacterization of the composites is discussed in detail, as isthe macro- and micromechanics of the composites. Structure-propertyrelationships in various composite systems are explained with thehelp of theoretical models, while processing techniques for variousmacro- to nanocomposite systems and the influence of processingparameters on the properties of the composite are reviewed indetail. The characterization of microstructure, elastic,viscoelastic, static and dynamic mechanical, thermal, tribological,rheological, optical, electrical and barrier properties arehighlighted, as well as their myriad applications. Divided into three volumes: Vol. 1. Macro- and Microcomposites;Vol. 2. Nanocomposites; and Vol. 3. Biocomposites.




Advances in Nanocomposite Materials for Environmental and Energy Harvesting Applications


Book Description

This book discusses the fundamental, synthesis, properties, physico-chemical characterizations and applications of recently explored nanocomposite materials. It covers the applications of these different nanocomposite materials in the environmental and energy harvesting fields. The chapters explore the different techniques used for preparation and characterization of several types of nanocomposite materials for applications related to environmental and energy pathways. This book presents a panorama of current research in the field of nanocomposite structures for different applications. It also assesses the advantages and disadvantages of using different types of nanocomposite in the design of different material products. The comprehensive chapters explain the interactions between nanocomposite materials and mechanisms related to applications in environmental pollution and energy shortage.




Encyclopedia of Renewable and Sustainable Materials


Book Description

Encyclopedia of Renewable and Sustainable Materials, Five Volume Set provides a comprehensive overview, covering research and development on all aspects of renewable, recyclable and sustainable materials. The use of renewable and sustainable materials in building construction, the automotive sector, energy, textiles and others can create markets for agricultural products and additional revenue streams for farmers, as well as significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, manufacturing energy requirements, manufacturing costs and waste. This book provides researchers, students and professionals in materials science and engineering with tactics and information as they face increasingly complex challenges around the development, selection and use of construction and manufacturing materials. Covers a broad range of topics not available elsewhere in one resource Arranged thematically for ease of navigation Discusses key features on processing, use, application and the environmental benefits of renewable and sustainable materials Contains a special focus on sustainability that will lead to the reduction of carbon emissions and enhance protection of the natural environment with regard to sustainable materials




Applications of Nanocomposite Materials in Drug Delivery


Book Description

Applications of Nanocomposite in Drug Delivery discusses and explores the applications of nanocomposites in the area of drug delivery. Starting with a scientific understanding of drug delivery fundamentals, the book explores the utility of nanocomposites in the area of controlled, transdermal, osteo-articular tuberculosis and stimulus sensitive drug delivery applications. The book intricately details and discusses a variety of methods for their preparation, while also highlighting specific applications of nanocomposites in targeted drug delivery. - Discusses nanocomposite and nanotechnology for drug delivery - Outlines the mechanisms involved in targeted drug delivery using nanocomposites - Includes synthesis methods for nanocomposites used in controlled drug delivery - Lists various applications of nanocomposites in drug delivery