Composite Nanomaterials

Dear Colleagues,

Nanomaterials are materials designed at the molecular nanometre level to take advantage of their smaller size and novel properties which are generally not seen in their conventional micro state counterparts. The physico-chemical properties of nanomaterials can change compared to those of the micro size such as e.g. the ability to conduct electricity, the strength characteristics and the magnetism. These differences of properties are based on two main reasons, the increasing of the relative surface area and the new quantum effects. At nano-scale, materials have a much greater area to volume ratio then their micro size which increase the chemical reactivity and their strength. In addition, the quantum effects can become much more important in determining the materials characteristics, leading to new properties.
This special issue of Nanomaterials will be devoted to the emerging field of Composite Nanomaterials. In the last few years, nanocomposites have evoked a lot of interest. Their potential in research, industry and to the community have been highlighted and demonstrated in several studies, articles and reports. The polymer nanocomposites are based on organic polymer and inorganic nanoparticle; these composites have attracted increasing attention because of their unique properties emerging from the combination of organic and inorganic hybrid materials. By combining the attractive functionalities of both components, and the nanostructure of the particles, nanocomposites are expected to show new and improved properties. The potential applications of the resultant nanocomposites are various, e.g., biomedical, automotive, sensors, opto-electronics, etc.

The scope of Nanomaterials aims to cover recent progress in nanocomposites; particular attention will be given to new contributions in the field of characterization and applications of nanocomposites. Nanomaterials Special Issue (ISSN 2079-4991) call for new contributions in the field of nanocomposites and will give direct access to the most recent information in this field.

Dr. Olfa Glaied
Prof. Dr. Uwe Pieles
Guest Editors