Nanocomposites — the Multifunctional Family of Materials

Abstract

AbstractThis paper starts by discussing the concept of multifunctional materials. Multifunctionality can be achieved in a single phase in a composite or a mixture. While a few exceptional single phase materials such as diamond, Al2O3, CaSrZr4P6O24 exhibit peak values of more than one function, it will be argued that the “invention” of the nanocomposite class of materials made by solution sol-gel processing has opened up the potential for designing several multifunctional materials.Examples will be drawn from our recent results—both successes and failures—in trying to design and synthesize nanocomposites of two or more ceramic phases for various chemical, thermal, and electrical functions.