Handbook of Functional Nanomaterials

This is the second volume of the four volume set. Functional nanomaterials appear in our daily lives. These materials mainly include nanocomposites, nanopowders, nanoparticles and nanocoatings. Nanotechnology enables the creation of structures which do not exist in nature, those which cannot be produced by conventional chemistry. Some advantages of this technology are the synthesis of stronger, more adjustable materials as well as lower costs. Nanotechnology is scientific and research development at the atomic, molecular or macromolecular levels in a dimension range of 1 to 100 nm; the fabrication and application of the structures, equipment, and systems which involve unique characteristics and new applications because of their small or medium dimensions; and the potential for (materials and processes) the control and management of atomic scales. Therefore, nanotechnology involves industrial research and development at atomic, molecular, and macromolecular levels. This research aims to create and exploit the structures and systems which involve unique applications due to their small dimensions. The main difference between nanotechnology and other technologies is found within the dimensions and properties of the materials and structures applied in this technology. As a matter of fact, the main difference between these two types of technologies is the presence of base elements, which are indeed the same nanoscale elements with different properties in their nanoscale and larger states. Due to the developed properties of the very fine powders including surface chemistry, compressive properties, optical characteristics, and synthetic reactions as well as an increasing demand for fine powders in industries, very fine fragmentation is applied in many materials such as: minerals, ceramics, dyes, chemicals, micro-organisms, pharmaceuticals and paper manufacturing. This volume mainly discusses the characterisation and reliability of functional nanomaterials.