Nanostructured Smart Materials

This new volume presents various research studies that focus on the development of advanced nanomaterials and their composites and blends for different applications in sensing, electrical, biomedical, coating, industrial applications, etc. This book includes detailed discussions on the synthesis, properties, processing, and potential applications of nanomaterials and their blends and composites. Some chapters also explain the basic theoretical aspects of these nanostructured materials and systems, which help readers to develop a better understanding various application areas, including construction.

Nanostructured Smart Materials: Synthesis, Characterization and Potential Applications responds to the need for advanced polymeric materials and nanostructured materials with ultimate performance and enhanced qualities and properties for varied applications. The chapters highlight information and research that will be valuable for development of new smart materials. This book will be a useful reference source for universities, colleges, researchers from R&D groups, scientists, postdoctoral fellows, industrialists, graduate and postgraduate students, and faculty.

V. R. Remya is a Research Fellow in the Department of Chemical Sciences, Centre for Nanomaterials Science Research, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontien Campus, South Africa. She already successfully completed a three-year DRDO, India-sponsored project on nanostructured polymer blends at the International and Inter University Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, India. She has published several articles in professional international and national journals and has presented her work at various international and national conferences as well. She has authored and co-authored several book chapters. She received several best paper and best poster awards. Her research interests include polymer blends and composites, nanocomposites, synthesis and applications of quantum dots, and fabrication of supertough and fluorescent material for nanotechnology industrial applications, etc.

H. Akhina, PhD, is currently working as an Assistant Professor (guest) at Bishop More College, Mavelikkara, Kerala, India. She was a Senior Research Fellow (CSIR) at the International and Inter University Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, India. She has published articles in professional international and national journals and has presented her work at various international and national conferences as well. She has co-authored several book chapters and has experience in editing books. Her research interests include synthesis of nanomaterials such as graphene and polymer naonocomposites, etc.

Oluwatobi Samuel Oluwafemi, PhD, is an National Research Foundation-rated researcher and is actively involved in research in the area of nanotechnology. He is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemical Sciences, Centre for Nanomaterials Science Research, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, South Africa. He has published many papers in internationally recognized journals and has presented at several professional meetings both local and internationally. He is a fellow of many professional bodies, a reviewer for many international journals, and has received many awards for his excellent work in material research both local and international. His current research interests include green synthesis and application of nanomaterials in medicine, water treatment, and fabrication of devices.

Nandakumar Kalarikkal, PhD, is the Director of the International and Inter University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology as well as a Professor & Chair in the School of Pure and Applied Physics at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India. His current research interests include synthesis, characterization, and applications of various nanostructured materials, laser plasma, and phase transitions. He has published more than 200 research articles in peer-reviewed journals and has co-edited more than 25 books. Prof. Kalarikkal obtained his master’s degree in Physics with a specialization in Industrial Physics and his PhD in Semiconductor Physics from Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala, India. He was a postdoctoral fellow at NIIST, Trivandrum, Kerala, India, and later joined Mahatma Gandhi University. Prof. Kalarikkal is also a visiting Professor at the University of Lorraine, France and CNRS Professor at ILM, Lyon, France.

Sabu Thomas, PhD, is currently Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, India. Professor Thomas is an outstanding leader with sustained international acclaim for his work in nanoscience, polymer science and engineering, polymer nanocomposites, elastomers, polymer blends, interpenetrating polymer networks, polymer membranes, green composites and nanocomposites, nanomedicine, and green nanotechnology. He has received many national and international awards and has published over 1000 peer-reviewed research papers. He has co-edited 135 books and has 15 patents. His H index is 101, and he has more than 50,000 citations.