Modelling of Damage Processes in Biocomposites, Fibre-Reinforced Composites and Hybrid Composites focuses on the advanced characterization techniques used for the analysis of composite materials developed from natural fiber/biomass, synthetic fibers and a combination of these materials used as fillers and reinforcements to enhance materials performance and utilization in automotive, aerospace, construction and building components.

Nanomaterials for Solar Cell Applications provides a review of recent developments in the field of nanomaterials based solar cells. It begins with a discussion of the fundamentals of nanomaterials for solar calls, including a discussion of lifecycle assessments and characterization techniques.

Kinetic Control in Synthesis and Self-Assembly provides a unique overview of the fundamental principles, novel methods and practical applications for researchers across organic synthesis, supramolecular chemistry and materials sciences. The book examines naturally occurring molecular systems in which kinetic processes are more ubiquitous than thermodynamic processes, also exploring the control of reactions and molecular self-assemblies, through kinetic processes, in artificial systems. These methods currently play a crucial role for tuning materials functions.

There is much interest in using biological structures for the fabrication of new functional materials. Recent developments in the particle character and behaviour of proteins and viral particles have had a major impact on the development of novel nanoparticle systems with new functions and possibilities. Bio-Synthetic Hybrid Materials and Bionanoparticles approaches the subject by covering the basics of disciplines involved as well as recent advances in new materials.

There is great commercial interest in hyperbranched polymers from manufacturers of polymer formulations, additives and coatings, polymer electronics and pharmaceuticals. However, these polymers are difficult to characterise due to their very complex, multidimensional distribution and there is a great need to understand how to control their synthesis to obtain certain material properties. Hyperbranched Polymers is, according to the publishing house, the first book to examine in detail the recent advances in hyperbranched polymers. Focusing on the structural characterisation of hyperbranched polymers, it summarises the research in the field and makes a direct correlation between the chemical structure and global molecular properties.

This book certainly fills a gap in the literature about how patents play a crucial role in a material’s history and development, and would be useful to anyone researching or seeking to fi le a patent in the topical areas covered in the book. It would also be invaluable to any materials scientist who is interested in patent law or students interested in becoming patent lawyers, because it shows, to some degree, how materials development goes hand in hand with patents.