Nanoscale Structure Forming Processes

Thin film growth from the vapor phase has for a long time intrigued researchers endeavouring to unravel and understand atomistic surface processes that govern film formation. Their motivation has not been purely scientific, but also driven by numerous applications where this understanding is paramount to knowledge-based design of novel film materials with tailored properties. Within the above framework, this thesis investigates growth of metal films on weakly bonding substrates, a combination of great relevance for applications concerning e.g., catalysis, graphene metallization and architectural glazing. When metal vapor condenses on weakly bonding substrates three dimensional islands nucleate, grow and coalesce prior to forming a continuous film. The combined effect of these initial growth stages on film formation and morphology evolution is studied using pulsed vapor fluxes for the model system Ag/SiO2. It is shown that the competition between island growth and coalescence completion determines structure evolution. The effect of the initial growth stages on film formation is also examined for the tilted columnar microstructure obtained when vapor arrives at an angle that deviates from the substrate surface normal. This is done using two metals with distinctly different nucleation behaviour, and the findings suggest that the column tilt angle is set by nucleation conditions in conjunction with shadowing of the vapor flux by adjacent islands. Vapor arriving at an angle can in addition result in films that exhibit preferred crystallographic orientations, both out-of-plane and in-plane. Their emergence is commonly described by an evolutionary growth model, which for some materials predict a double in-plane alignment that has not been observed experimentally. Here, an experiment is designed to replicate the model’s growth conditions, confirming the existence of double in-plane alignment. New and added film functionalities can further be unlocked by alloying. Properties are then largely set by chemistry and atomic arrangement, where the latter can be affected by thermodynamics, kinetics and vapor flux modulation. Their combined effect on atomic arrangement is here unravelled by presenting a research methodology that encompasses high resolution vapor flux modulation, nanoscale structure v vi probes and growth simulations. The methodology is deployed to study the immiscible Ag-Cu and miscible Ag-Au model systems, for which it is shown that capping of Cu by Ag atoms via near surface diffusion processes and rough morphology of the Ag-Au growth front are the decisive structure forming processes in each respective system. The results generated in this thesis are of relevance for tuning structure of metal films grown on weakly bonding substrates. They also indicate that improved growth models are required to accurately describe structure evolution and emergence of a preferred in-plane orientation in films where vapor arrives at an angle that deviates from the substrate surface normal. In addition, this thesis presents a methodology that can be used to identify and understand structure forming processes in multicomponent films, which may enable tailoring of atomic arrangement and related properties in technologically relevant material systems.

Discover a one-stop resource for in-depth knowledge on epoxy composites from leading voices in the field Used in a wide variety of materials engineering applications, epoxy composites are highly relevant to the work of engineers and scientists in many fields. Recent developments have allowed for significant advancements in their preparation, processing and characterization that are highly relevant to the aerospace and automobile industry, among others. In Epoxy Composites: Fabrication, Characterization and Applications, a distinguished team of authors and editors deliver a comprehensive and straightforward summary of the most recent developments in the area of epoxy composites. The book emphasizes their preparation, characterization and applications, providing a complete understanding of the correlation of rheology, cure reaction, morphology, and thermo-mechanical properties with filler dispersion. Readers will learn about a variety of topics on the cutting-edge of epoxy composite fabrication and characterization, including smart epoxy composites, theoretical modeling, recycling and environmental issues, safety issues, and future prospects for these highly practical materials. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction to epoxy composites, their synthesis and manufacturing, and micro- and nano-scale structure formation in epoxy and clay nanocomposites An exploration of long fiber reinforced epoxy composites and eco-friendly epoxy-based composites Practical discussions of the processing of epoxy composites based on carbon nanomaterials and the thermal stability and flame retardancy of epoxy composites An analysis of the spectroscopy and X-ray scattering studies of epoxy composites Perfect for materials scientists, polymer chemists, and mechanical engineers, Epoxy Composites: Fabrication, Characterization and Applications will also earn a place in the libraries of engineering scientists working in industry and process engineers seeking a comprehensive and exhaustive resource on epoxy composites.

Nanoscale Processing outlines recent advances in processing techniques for a range of nanomaterial types. New developments in the processing of nanostructured materials are being applied in diverse fields. This book offers in-depth information and analysis of a range of processing techniques for nanostructures, and also covers nanocharacterization aspects thoroughly. Topics covered include zero dimensional nanostructures, nanostructured biomaterials, carbon-based nanostructures, polymeric and liposomal nanostructures, and quantum dots. This book is an important resource for materials scientists and engineers looking to learn more about a variety of processing techniques for various nanomaterial classes, for use in both the industrial and biomedical sectors. Explains major nanoscale processing techniques, outlining in which situations each should be used Discuses a range of nanomaterial classes, including nanobiomaterials, polymeric nanomaterials, optical nanomaterials and magnetic nanomaterials Explores the challenges of using certain processing techniques for certain classes of nanomaterial

Nanoscale Fabrication, Optimization, Scale-up and Biological Aspects of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology focuses on the fabrication, optimization, scale-up and biological aspects of pharmaceutical nanotechnology. In particular, the following aspects of nanoparticle preparation methods are discussed: the need for less toxic reagents, simplification of the procedure to allow economic scale-up, and optimization to improve yield and entrapment efficiency. Written by a diverse range of international researchers, the chapters examine characterization and manufacturing of nanomaterials for pharmaceutical applications. Regulatory and policy aspects are also discussed. This book is a valuable reference resource for researchers in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry who want to learn more about how nanomaterials can best be utilized. Shows how nanomanufacturing techniques can help to create more effective, cheaper pharmaceutical products Explores how nanofabrication techniques developed in the lab have been translated to commercial applications in recent years Explains safety and regulatory aspects of the use of nanomanufacturing processes in the pharmaceutical industry

The observed effects are related to the high vapor density in SD and the high instantaneous deposition rate in PLD. Both processes result in formation of nanoscale structures, either by aggregation in the plasma/gas phase (SD) or by self-assembly on the growth surface (PLD).

All of us have read about the vast potential inherent in nanotechnology and the exciting impact it has had in changing our lifestyle in the 21st century. One of the basic issues confronting us is how to fabricate devices or materials on the nano scale. What is the basic physics governing the formation of nano phases? How can biological systems inspire us to formulate nano scale architectures, in the way nature has always done and continues to do? These are two main areas of focus in this book. The aim of this reference is to take us to the root of these issues: the solid-fluid interfacial structures and the basic interactions between structural units that determine the kinetics of nano particles and assembly formation, and subsequently the resulting structures and functionalities of the nano phases and devices. By taking a fresh look at the novel nano structure engineering and surface probing technologies from a global viewpoint of fundamental principles, the two volumes of this book direct our focus from the macroscopic phase to the nano structures ranging from inorganic to bio nano materials. Featuring contributions from a number of international experts in the related fields, this book offers a comprehensive and synergistic look into these challenging issues in terms of theoretical modeling, computer simulations, advanced surface probing and fabrication and interface characterizations. The book also provides a link to the nanostructure engineering of some novel materials playing an important role in advancing technologies in this field.

Gasphase synthesis of nanoparticles and nanostructured materials offers high chemical purity and crystalline quality as well as scalability up to industrial quantities. It is therefore highly attractive for both basic and applied science. This book gives a broad and coherent overview of the complete production and value chain from nanoparticle formation to integration into products and devices. Written by experts in the field – with backgrounds in electrical engineering, experimental and theoretical physics, materials science, and chemical engineering – the book offers a deep insight into the fabrication, characterization and application of nanoparticles from the gasphase. The first part of the book, “Formation”, covers chemical and growth kinetics, in-situ diagnostics, numerical simulation, process development and material deposition. In the second section, the reader is introduced to the structure and dynamics that lead to functional nanoscale systems and materials. The third section, “Properties and Applications”, provides a detailed discussion of the optical, electronic, magnetic and chemical characteristics of nanostructures and demonstrates how these can be used in tailored materials and devices.

Understanding live cells at the single molecule level is the most important and single major challenge facing biology and medicine today. Nanobiology focuses on the properties and structure of complex assemblies of biomolecules—biochips and molecular motors, for example—in conjunction with distinctive surfaces, rods, dots, and materials of nanoscience. Nano Cell Biology will describe the current applications of nanobiology to the study of the structure, function, and metabolic processes of cells. Provides historical background on this newly emerging field Covers the latest application of new instrumentation in the field Detailed protocols in the study of live cells at the nanometer level Discusses future technologies and their applications in the study of living cells