1. Introduction: A Multi-Functional Approach
2. Nanoparticles: Structures and Pros/Cons of Incorporating Them in Polymers
3. Processing and Resultant Micro-/Nano-Structures
4. Importance of Accurate Morphological Characterization
5. Interfaces in Polymer Nanocomposites: Lamellae Organization
6. Mechanical Properties
7. Toughening Mechanisms
8. Wear/Scratch Damage (Including Nanoindentation and Nano-Wear)
9. Thermal Stability
10. Flame Retardancy
11. Other Functional Properties: Conductivity (Electrical and Thermal); Permeability (and Barrier); Optical; Magnetic
12. Applications and Outlook
About the Author: Aravind obtained the first degree (B. Tech in Chemical Engineering) from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, India in 1999 and M.S. (Chemical Engineering) from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, USA in 2003. He then moved to University of Sydney, Australia where he obtained his PhD in 2007 from the Center for Advanced Materials Technology (CAMT). Upon completion of PhD, Dr Dasari continued to work as a post-doctoral fellow before moving to Madrid Institute of Advanced Studies of Materials (IMDEA Materials Institute) as a Research Scientist in early 2009 to lead the group on Multifunctional Nanocomposites. After a couple of years of exciting stint in Madrid, he joined NTU as an Assistant Professor in mid 2011. His research focuses on various aspects of hybrid polymer nanocomposites including combustion response, functional fabrics, food packaging and acoustic absorption in thin films.
Zhong-Zhen Yu received his PhD in process engineering from the National Polytechnic Institute of Lorraine, France in 2001 and then worked as a postdoctoral and research fellow at the Centre for Advanced Materials Technology, The University of Sydney, for six years. From 1992 to 1999 he was a research fellow in the State Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He is now a professor of Polymer Engineering in the College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology. His research interests cover many aspects of polymer blends, composites and nanocomposites, including toughening and strengthening with rigid particles and fibers, fracture behaviour, flame retardancy, conductivity, tribology and polymer processing.
Yiu-Wing Mai is an alumnus of the University of Hong Kong, having completed his BSc in 1969, his PhD in 1972 and his DSc in 1999. He also obtained a DEng from The University of Sydney in 1999. He previously worked in the US (Ann Arbor and NIST), the UK (Imperial College) and Hong Kong (HKUST and CityU). Professor Mai is currently University Chair and Professor of mechanical engineering at The University of Sydney. He is also Visiting Chair Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Professor Mai's major research interests are the basic understanding of processing-microstructure-property relationships, particularly the fracture and mechanical behaviours of a range of advanced materials, including polymer blends, ceramics, cementitious materials, hard surface coatings and fibre composites. His current projects are related to polymer and ceramic-based nanocomposites and fracture mechanics of smart materials.
