From the Foreword, written by legendary nano pioneer M. Meyyappan, Chief Scientist for Exploration Technology NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA:

"...there is critical need for a book to summarize the status of the field but more importantly to lay out the principles behind the technology. This is what Professor Arvind Agarwal and his co-workers ... have done here."

Carbon Nanotubes: Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites reflects the authors' desire to share the benefits of nanotechnology with the masses by developing metal matrix carbon nanotube (MM-CNT) composites for large-scale applications. Multiwall carbon nanotubes can now be produced on a large scale and at a significantly reduced cost. The book explores potential applications and applies the author's own research to highlight critical developmental issues for different MM-CNT composites--and then outline novel solutions.

With this problem-solving approach, the book explores:

• Advantages, limitations, and the evolution of processing techniques used for MM-CNT composites
• Characterization techniques unique to the study of MM-CNT composites--and the limitations of these methods
• Existing research on different MM-CNT composites, presented in useful tables that include composition, processing method, quality of CNT dispersion, and properties
• The micro-mechanical strengthening that results from adding CNT
• The applicability of micro-mechanics models in MM-CNT composites
• Significance of chemical stability for carbon nanotubes in the metal matrix as a function of processing, and its impact on CNT/metal interface and mechanical properties
• Computational studies that have not been sufficiently covered although they are essential to research and development
• The critical issue of CNT dispersion in the metal matrix, as well as a unique way to quantify CNT distribution and subsequently improve control of the processing parameters for obtaining improved properties

Carbon Nanotubes: Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites paints a vivid picture of scientific and application achievements in this field. Exploring the mechanisms through which CNTs are enhancing the properties of different metal-based composites, the authors provide a roadmap to help researchers develop MM-CNT composites and choose potential materials for use in emerging areas of technology.

Arvind Agarwal is an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering (MME) at Florida International University (FIU), Miami, FL. He received his PhD in materials science and engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1999, and B. Tech. and M. Tech. from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur in 1993 and 1995, respectively. His current research interests include carbon nanotube reinforced metal and ceramic nanocomposites, bioceramics, nanomechanics of nano and biological materials, multi-scale tribology, surface engineering, thermal spray, and near net shape processing.

Bakshi Srinivasa Rao is currently a post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Florida International University, Miami, FL. He completed his PhD from FIU in August 2009. He obtained his B.E. degree in metallurgical engineering from National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India in 2001. He completed his Masters (M.E.) in metallurgy from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India in 2003. He worked as Scientific Officer 'C' in the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (2003-2005), where his main area of interest was thermo-physical properties of advanced control rod materials. His main research interest is synthesis and characterization of CNT-reinforced aluminum composites prepared by thermal spraying, namely, plasma and cold spraying.

Debrupa Lahiri is a Ph.D student in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Florida International University since fall of 2007. She expects to complete her PhD by the summer of 2011. She received her M. Tech degree in materials and metallurgical engineering from IIT Kanpur, India in 2000 and her B.E degree in metallurgical engineering from Bengal Engineering College, West Bengal, India in 1998. She has seven years of experience in industry and research environment. She worked as a metallurgist in the research and development department of Indian Aluminum Company, India for 2 years. Thereafter, she worked as Scientific Officer in Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC), Department of Atomic Energy, Hyderabad, India. She has experience in the fields of x-ray diffraction, residual stress measurement, dilatometry, and SEM of materials related to the nuclear industry from her past research activities. Her current research interests include plasma sprayed coatings, CNT- and BNNT-reinforced composites, bioceramics and polymers for orthopedic applications, and nano-mechanics of materials and biological substances.