This book treats the micromechanics of laminae, i.e., the prediction of the macroscopic mechanical lamina properties based on the mechanical properties of the constituents, i.e., fibers and matrix. The focus is on unidirectional lamina which can be described based on orthotropic constitutive equations. In detail, predictions for the modulus of elasticity in and transverse to the fiber direction, the major Poisson’s ratio, as wells as the in-plane shear modulus are provided. The mechanics of materials approach, the elasticity solutions with contiguity after Tsai, and the Halpin-Tsai relationships, are presented in detail.

This thesis showcases innovative new approaches aimed at advancing the next generation of long wave infrared (LWIR) light detectors and cameras. Detecting LWIR light at room temperature has posed a persistent challenge due to the low energy of photons. The pursuit of an affordable, high-performance LWIR camera capable of room temperature detection has spanned several decades. The two approaches detailed within are designed to offer high detectivity, swift response times, and room temperature operation. The first involves harnessing the Dirac plasmon and the Seebeck effect in graphene to create a photo-thermoelectric detector. The second entails the use of an oscillating circuit integrated with phase change materials and the modulation of frequency induced by infrared illumination to achieve LWIR detection. Finally, the graphene-based detectors are integrated with readout circuits to enable the development of a dense pixel focal plane which has strong potential for commercialization. The journey from novel material to device to functional camera presented here is essential reading for researchers in the field of photon detection.

This book delves into the cutting-edge applications of graphene-based photocatalysts, unveiling their immense potential in addressing two critical global challenges: sustainable hydrogen production and environmental remediation. Through insightful analysis of the state of the art, the book highlights the remarkable capabilities of these innovative materials in harnessing the power of light to drive chemical reactions. By exploring the synthesis, characterization, and mechanisms of graphene-based photocatalysts, the book provides knowledge not only about the fundamental concepts but also recent advancements in water splitting for hydrogen generation, as well as the degradation of persistent organic pollutants and greenhouse gases. With its extensive coverage and interdisciplinary approach, this resource is tailored for a diverse readership, including materials scientists, chemists, photocatalysis experts, environmental engineers, and professionals working in the fields of renewable energy, water treatment, and environmental remediation.

This thesis demonstrates the value of theoretical approaches in the discovery of new superconducting materials. It reports a detailed study of the recently discovered nickel-oxide (nickelate) superconductors using multiple first-principles computational tools, from density functional theory to dynamical mean field theory. In the context of superconductivity, discoveries have generally been linked to serendipitous experimental discovery; this thesis reports some of the few examples of predictions of new superconductors that have later been realized in practice, a prime example of the significance of the methodology it expounds. Overall, it represents a seminal systematic work in the electronic structure theory of the emergent field of nickelate superconductivity.

This book focuses on recent advances in biosensors and nanosensors to monitor, manage and improve horticultural crops in terms of plant growth, nutrient deficiency, toxicity, diseases, abiotic stress, soil amendments and agrochemicals entry into surrounding environment. Besides contributing to sustainable agriculture, these innovative tools facilitate promoting plant health and horticultural products quality and safety. The book consists of 11 chapters grouped in 4 parts. Part I Growth, Development and Productivity, Part II Trends in Abiotic and Biotic Stress Management, Part III Harvest Quality, Part IV Precision Agriculture and Environment Sustainability. Increased productivity, stimulation of plant growth, precise farming, monitoring food quality and freshness during production, processing, distribution and storage, reduced costs and waste, and sustainable agriculture are some of the concepts discussed. The book presents the mechanisms of biosensors and nanosensors for monitoring the various changes during pre- and post-harvest stages of horticultural crops. These are considered as efficient tools to achieve goals of plant breeders in horticultural crops improvement programs. Chapters are written by globally recognized scientists and subjected to a rigorous review process to ensure quality presentation and scientific precision. Each chapter begins with an introduction that covers similar contexts and includes a detailed discussion of the topic accompanied by high-quality color images, diagrams and relevant details and concludes with recommendations for future study directions in addition to a comprehensive bibliography.

This book delves into the burgeoning field of nano-biomaterials and their application in targeted drug delivery across various therapeutic domains. Through its comprehensive exploration, it offers insights into the innovative approaches and potential of biomaterial-inspired nanomedicines in revolutionizing healthcare.

This book presents microplastics pollution in land and water bodies, their hazardous effects, characterization approaches, and suitable means of utilizing advanced treatment options to solve the problem. It is mainly understood that microplastic pollutants are associated with water bodies, however there also exists soil contamination and their interaction with the food web. The discussions related to strategies and policies for the management of microplastics are very limited. This book not only narrows microplastic pollution in marine or fresh water bodies, but also takes into account the terrestrial environment, including the toxicity effects, characterization aspects and treatment approaches. The main feature of the book includes latest research related to microplastics pollution, examining the different health effects including environmental (related) issues and highlights the advances in treatment approaches. The book serves as a guide with an up-to-date information on microplastics related problems, useful for students, researchers, professionals/environmentalists and also as a reference for policy makers.

This book presents a detailed study of different approaches to synthesis for 2D Borophene, its peculiar properties, and its use in different applications such as energy storage, catalysis, hydrogen evolution reactions, supercapacitors, optoelectronics, sensors, diagnostics, bioimaging, drug delivery, cancer therapy, and various other practical applications. This book integrates and sets the evolving knowledge and approaches to utilizing Borophene as an alternative 2D nanomaterial for commercialization in real-life applications. The book covers emerging innovative topics of relevance to scientists, academicians, and innovators in the field of energy storage, sensing, optoelectronics, nanoelectronics, and biomedical applications for further research and development.

This book focuses on two related topics in fluid mechanics, that is, speed of sound through various media and critical flow associated with gas–liquid flows. The first part of the book explores the speed of sound in liquids, gases, and solids. For gas flows, both real gas behavior and two-phase flow are reviewed; a thorough review is given of cubic equations of state. For media of solid, transverse and longitudinal waves are discussed and related back to earlier work on acoustics and gas dynamics. The second part of the book focuses on critical flow. Beginning with ideal, perfect gases, it goes into van der Waals and other equations of state. A general discussion of gas–liquid flows is subsequently given with necessary nomenclature consistent with the work of Wallis, and lastly goes on to explore critical flow for two-phase and binary mixtures through Henry and Fauske's work and the Omega method by Leung.