Aims

This course aims to:

• introduce the various classes of nanomaterials
• consider bulk materials with a well defined and controlled nanostructure
• discuss discrete materials produced by nanotechnology such as carbon nanotubes and self-assembled monolayers
• review the techniques required to analyse structures at the nanoscale

Module Overview

This module presents a review 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, are 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 Bucky Balls, nanotubes and a variety of colloidal structures.  The processing and applications of nanofluidics are also dealt with in some detail. The commercial perspective on the larger scale production of nanomaterials is given to illustrate the move from laboratory to plant.

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of the course and associated assessment package, students will be able to:

• demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the range and breadth of application of nanomaterials
• review critically 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 and select appropriate techniques for a range of situations
• outline the nanotechnology production routes currently available
• identify possible opportunities for nanomaterials in product development and enhancement

Who Should Attend?

The 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.

Lecture Topics 

• The Nanoscene
• SPM: The full range of nanotechniques and relationship to SEM
• Surface Analysis
• 3D atom probe
• Nanometallics
• Nanoceramic Materials
• Nanotubes:  Production to Application
• Nanostructured Coatings for Wear Resistant Applications
• Nanocomposites Review
• Sol-gel hybrids
• Nanotubes and Nanocomposites
• Structure/Property Relationships in NanoPolymers
• Field-Ion Emission and Liquid Metal Ion Sources
• Applications of FIB Machines
• Self Assembled Monolayers
• Polymer Nanoparticles for Coatings and Adhesives
• Nanoribbon synthesises in molecular mangles: Exploring the world of neglected dimensions
• Nanomaterials – the new commercialisation challenge
• The future of nanoscience in the UK

Recommended background reading

Course Director

The Course Director is Prof John F Watts.