The Role of Powder Materials in Defense, Energy, and Security Systems

摘要

Multifunctional powder materials with unique combinations of properties have been synthesized recently. Among them, ultrafine materials and nanomaterials are now beginning to play a very important role in answering some of our current global challenges. Because the properties of nanomaterials are very different from those of their conventional counterparts, they have capabilities not offered by conventional materials. This difference is so for many reasons, such as (I) dimensional changes experienced at the molecular level; (II) a consequent degree of perfection where the absence of all kinds of defects allows intrinsic properties to reach the highest values ever measured and, in certain cases, reach and surpass the theoretical limit; (III) a considerable change in specific surface area and associated properties; and (IV) the capability of development of nano-architectures not feasible in conventional materials. Among the intrinsic properties to be considered and leveraged are strength, stiffness, toughness, thermal and electrical conductivity, and others. From those associated with a specific surface are surface tension and surface concentration, catalytic and photocatalytic activity, melting point, and others. Because of these unique and exceptional properties, nanomaterials and ultrafine materials have great potential for applications in three very important 21st century industries: defense, energy, and security.