Preface

Functional materials are highly promising advanced materials that exhibit many interesting phenomena directly related to device applications. Development of functional materials and their effective applications in the frontier fields of cross-multidisciplinary research programs ranging from earth science to physical, chemical, biological, space, and information science are being increased many fold. Rapid fusions of the above-mentioned disciplines require innocuous and high value-added advanced materials for cross-disciplinary science and technologies spanning from single crystal bulk design to thin and ultra-thin film structures of single or multi-elemental material compositions in the form of metals, alloys, ceramics, and composites. These materials are classified based on functions that are significantly different to previously described materials based on their origin. New functional materials and composites can be developed using new fabrication techniques and characterized using advanced characterization methods. The relationships between processing, structure, properties, and performance will be explored and effective functional applications for devices will be mentioned. This book provides an overview of different types of functional materials, including synthesis, characterization and application, and up-to-date treatment of functional materials, which are needed for structural, magnetic, polymeric, electromagnetic, etc. applications. It is suitable for undergraduates, graduates, and professionals, including engineers, scientists, researchers, technicians, and technology managers.

> **Dipti Ranjan Sahu** Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia

Section 1

Functional Polymeric

Materials

1

Section 1
