Physical Chemistry for Engineering and Applied Sciences : Theoretical and Methodological Implications

This new volume, Physical Chemistry for Engineering and Applied Sciences: Theoretical and Methodological Implications, introduces readers to some of the latest research applications of physical chemistry. The compilation of this volume was motived by the tremendous increase of useful research work in the field of physical chemistry and related subjects in recent years, and the need for communication between physical chemists, physicists, and biophysicists. This volume reflects the huge breadth and diversity in research and the applications in physical chemistry and physical chemistry techniques, providing case studies that are tailored to particular research interests. It examines the industrial processes for emerging materials, determines practical use under a wide range of conditions, and establishes what is needed to produce a new generation of materials.

The chapter authors, affiliated with prestigious scientific institutions from around the world, share their research on new and innovative applications in physical chemistry. The chapters in the volume are divided into several areas, covering

• developments in physical chemistry of modern materials
• polymer science and engineering
• nanoscience and nanotechnology

A. K. Haghi, PhD, is the author and editor of 165 books, as well as 1000 published papers in various journals and conference proceedings. Dr. Haghi has received several grants, consulted for a number of major corporations, and is a frequent speaker to national and international audiences. Since 1983, he served as professor at several universities. He is currently Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Chemoinformatics and Chemical Engineering and Polymers Research Journal and on the editorial boards of many International journals. He is also a member of the Canadian Research and Development Center of Sciences and Cultures (CRDCSC), Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He holds a BSc in urban and environmental engineering from the University of North Carolina (USA), an MSc in mechanical engineering from North Carolina A&T State University (USA), a DEA in applied mechanics, acoustics and materials from the Université de Technologie de Compiègne (France), and a PhD in engineering sciences from Université de Franche-Comté (France).

Noé Aguilar, PhD, is Dean of the School of Chemistry at the Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, México. Dr. Aguilar has published more than 160 papers in indexed journals, more than 40 articles in Mexican journals, and 250 contributions in scientific meetings. He has also published many book chapters, several Mexican books, four editions of international books, and more. Prof. Aguilar is a member level III of S.N.I. (National System of Researchers of Mexico). He has been awarded several prizes and awards; the most important are the National Prize of Research 2010 from the Mexican Academy of Sciences; the Prize "Carlos Casas Campillo 2008" from the Mexican Society of Biotechnology and Bioenegineering; National Prize AgroBio–2005 and the Mexican Prize in Food Science and Technology.

Sabu Thomas, PhD, is a Professor of Polymer Science and Engineering at the School of Chemical Sciences and Director of the International and Inter University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India. The research activities of Professor Thomas include surfaces and interfaces in multiphase polymer blend and composite systems; phase separation in polymer blends; compatibilization of immiscible polymer blends; thermoplastic elastomers; phase transitions in polymers; nanostructured polymer blends; macro-, micro- and nanocomposites; polymer rheology; recycling; reactive extrusion; processing–morphology–property relationships in multiphase polymer systems; double networking of elastomers; natural fibers and green composites; rubber vulcanization; interpenetrating polymer networks; diffusion and transport; and polymer scaffolds for tissue engineering. He has supervised 68 PhD theses, 40 MPhil theses, and 45 Masters thesis. He has three patents to his credit. He also received the coveted Sukumar Maithy Award for the best polymer researcher in the country for the year 2008. Very recently, Professor Thomas received the MRSI and CRSI medals for his excellent work. With over 600 publications to his credit and over 23683 citations, with an h-index of 75, Dr. Thomas has been ranked fifth in India as one of the most productive scientists.

Praveen K. M is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at SAINTGITS College of Engineering, India. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Engineering Sciences at the University of South Brittany (Université de Bretagne Sud) – Laboratory IRDL PTR1, Research Center "Christiaan Huygens," in Lorient, France, in the area of coir based polypropylene micro composites and nanocomposites. He has published an international article Applied Surface Science (Elsevier) and has also presented poster and conference papers at national and international conferences. He also has worked with the Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Mahatma Gandhi University, India; and the Technical University in Liberec, Czech Republic. His current research interests include plasma modification of polymers, polymer composites for neutron shielding applications, and nanocellulose.