Handbook of Functional Nanomaterials. Volume 4 - Properties and Commercialization : Activities, Expenditures, and Nutritional Profiles

This is the fourth volume of the handbook of functional nanomaterials (4 volume set). Functional nanomaterials appear in our daily lives. These materials mainly include nanocomposites, nanopowders, nanoparticles and nanocoatings. Nanotechnology enables the creation of structures that 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 (1) scientific and research development at the atomic, molecular, or macromolecular levels in a dimension range of 1 to 100 nm, (2) the fabrication and application of the structures, equipment, and systems which involve unique characteristics and new applications because of their small or medium dimensions, (3) and the potential for (materials and processes) the control and management of atomic scales. 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 to 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, a very fine fragmentation is applied in many materials such as: minerals, ceramics, dyes, chemicals, microorganisms, pharmaceuticals and paper manufacturing. This volume mainly discusses the properties and commercialization of functional nanomaterials. Some of the functional nanomaterials that were discussed in this volume are graphene-based nanocomposites, nanoporous materials, ionic liquids-carbon nanotube nanocomposites, carbon nanotube/nanofiber cement-based composites, titania nanostructured materials, nanostructured multilayer films, ZnO nanostructures, biomolecular nanoconjugates, functionalized magnetic nanoparticles, nano latex materials, semiconductor quantum dots, mesoporous silica-based sensors and keratin nanomaterials. There are 21 chapters in this volume. Each one includes examples of these interesting materials, supported with appropriate figures for better clarification.