The Nanomaterials
course will present a review of the state of the art of materials structured
at the nanometric level. Characterisation at the nanoscale can be achieved by
a variety of electron, ion beam and scanning probe methodologies and these,
together with more specialist methods such as position sensitive atom probe
and spectroscopic ellipsometry, will be introduced. Nanoscale structure in metals,
polymers and ceramics may have a marked influence on structure-property relationships
with the possibility of providing behaviour not seen in coarser scale structures.
In addition certain new classes of materials may be produced at this size level,
for example C60, carbon nanotubes and a variety of colloidal structures. The
processing and applications of nanofluidics will also be dealt with in some
detail. Finally, the commercial perspective on the larger scale production of
nanomaterials will be given to illustrate the move of this class of materials
from laboratory to plant.
Aim
The aim of the Nanomaterials
course is to introduce the various classes of nanomaterials: both bulk materials
with a well defined and controlled nanostructure and discrete materials produced
by nanotechnology such as carbon nanotubes and self-assembled monolayers. Further,
the techniques required to analyse structures at the nanoscale will be reviewed
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the Nanomaterials
module, all participants should be able to:
- Appreciate the range and breadth of application of nanomaterials
- Discuss the potential impact, in all classes of materials, of the
control of nanostructure
- Describe the methods for the chemical and nanostructural characterisation
of such materials
- Outline the nanotechnology production routes currently available
- Identify possible opportunities for nanomaterials in product development
and enhancement
Who Should Attend?
The Nanomaterials
course is directed at engineers and scientists who require a thorough grounding
in the benefits of nanomaterials technology described above. These are applicable
to a wide range of industrial scenarios. As the field of nanomaterials is developing
very rapidly, the course provides an ideal opportunity to review the scope and
applicability of the currently available and emerging nano-structured materials.
While the course is open to all, a scientific or engineering education to degree
level, or a higher education qualification in physics or chemistry is desirable.
