Smart Materials & Nanotechnology

Physics and Chemistry of Materials

Materials Chemistry provides the loop between atomic, molecular and supermolecular behaviour and the useful properties of a material. It lies at the core of numerous chemical-using industries. This deals with the atomic nuclei of the materials, and how they are arranged to provide molecules, crystals, etc. Much of properties of electrical, magnetic particles and chemical materials evolve from this level of structure. The length scales involved are in angstroms. The way in which the atoms and molecules are bonded and organized is fundamental to studying the properties and behaviour of any material. The forecast for R&D growth in the chemical and advanced materials industry indicates the improving global economy and the key markets the industry serves. U.S. R&D splurging in chemicals and advanced materials is forecast to grow by 3.6% to reach $12 billion in 2014. Overall global R&D is forecast to expand at a slightly higher 4.7% rate to $45 billion in 2014.