Author: Sabu Thomas
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323886434
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 542
Book Description
Nanofillers for Binary Polymer Blends covers major advances in the field of polymer-blend nanocomposites. The book encompasses the fundamentals of polymer blends, various nanofillers, experimental techniques used in their fabrication, the characterization of various polymer blend nanocomposites, and theoretical evaluations of various properties. The properties and potential applications that have been achieved in various polymer blends by the addition of nanofillers are also highlighted. Applications for commercial products, including automotive parts, packaging, construction materials, biotechnology, medical devices, building materials, computer housings, car interiors, etc., are also covered in detail.This is an important reference source for materials scientists and engineers looking to increase their understanding of how nanofillers are being used in polymer blends. - Outlines the various types of nanofillers, explaining how the properties of each enhances the morphology, rheology, mechanical, dynamic mechanical, viscoelastic, electrical and thermal properties of polymer blends - Provides information on the theory, modeling and simulation of nano-filled polymer blends - Assesses the mechanism of selective localization of nanofillers in polymer blends, the effect of localization of nanofillers on the microstructure, and the relative performance of polymer blends
Nanofillers for Binary Polymer Blends
Author: Sabu Thomas
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323886434
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 542
Book Description
Nanofillers for Binary Polymer Blends covers major advances in the field of polymer-blend nanocomposites. The book encompasses the fundamentals of polymer blends, various nanofillers, experimental techniques used in their fabrication, the characterization of various polymer blend nanocomposites, and theoretical evaluations of various properties. The properties and potential applications that have been achieved in various polymer blends by the addition of nanofillers are also highlighted. Applications for commercial products, including automotive parts, packaging, construction materials, biotechnology, medical devices, building materials, computer housings, car interiors, etc., are also covered in detail.This is an important reference source for materials scientists and engineers looking to increase their understanding of how nanofillers are being used in polymer blends. - Outlines the various types of nanofillers, explaining how the properties of each enhances the morphology, rheology, mechanical, dynamic mechanical, viscoelastic, electrical and thermal properties of polymer blends - Provides information on the theory, modeling and simulation of nano-filled polymer blends - Assesses the mechanism of selective localization of nanofillers in polymer blends, the effect of localization of nanofillers on the microstructure, and the relative performance of polymer blends
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323886434
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 542
Book Description
Nanofillers for Binary Polymer Blends covers major advances in the field of polymer-blend nanocomposites. The book encompasses the fundamentals of polymer blends, various nanofillers, experimental techniques used in their fabrication, the characterization of various polymer blend nanocomposites, and theoretical evaluations of various properties. The properties and potential applications that have been achieved in various polymer blends by the addition of nanofillers are also highlighted. Applications for commercial products, including automotive parts, packaging, construction materials, biotechnology, medical devices, building materials, computer housings, car interiors, etc., are also covered in detail.This is an important reference source for materials scientists and engineers looking to increase their understanding of how nanofillers are being used in polymer blends. - Outlines the various types of nanofillers, explaining how the properties of each enhances the morphology, rheology, mechanical, dynamic mechanical, viscoelastic, electrical and thermal properties of polymer blends - Provides information on the theory, modeling and simulation of nano-filled polymer blends - Assesses the mechanism of selective localization of nanofillers in polymer blends, the effect of localization of nanofillers on the microstructure, and the relative performance of polymer blends
Compatibilization of Polymer Blends
Author: Ajitha A. R
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0128162880
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 642
Book Description
Compatibilization of Polymer Blends: Micro and Nano Scale Phase Morphologies, Interphase Characterization and Properties offers a comprehensive approach to the use of compatibilizers in polymer blends, examining both fundamental and advanced knowledge in the field. The book begins by introducing polymer blends, describing thermodynamics, miscibility, and phase separation, and explaining the main concepts of compatibilization. Other sections cover theoretical approaches for nearly compatible blends, incompatible blends, nanofillers, physical compatibilization, reactive compatibilization, morphological and structural characterization, and physico-mechanical characterization. Finally, key application areas are covered, including biomedical applications, packaging and automobile engineering. While this book will be a highly valuable reference source for academics, researchers and postgraduate students interested in polymer blends, it will also be ideal for anyone involved in the fields of polymer science, polymer chemistry, polymer physics, materials science, scientists, R&D professionals, and engineers in involved in the development or engineering of polymer products. - Offers detailed and systematic coverage of essential and advanced topics relating to the compatibilization of polymer blends - Presents a critical analysis of the effect of compatibilization on morphology and thermal, mechanical, electrical and viscoelastic properties of polymer blends - Draws on novel studies and state-of-the-art research, discussing the latest issues and developments
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0128162880
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 642
Book Description
Compatibilization of Polymer Blends: Micro and Nano Scale Phase Morphologies, Interphase Characterization and Properties offers a comprehensive approach to the use of compatibilizers in polymer blends, examining both fundamental and advanced knowledge in the field. The book begins by introducing polymer blends, describing thermodynamics, miscibility, and phase separation, and explaining the main concepts of compatibilization. Other sections cover theoretical approaches for nearly compatible blends, incompatible blends, nanofillers, physical compatibilization, reactive compatibilization, morphological and structural characterization, and physico-mechanical characterization. Finally, key application areas are covered, including biomedical applications, packaging and automobile engineering. While this book will be a highly valuable reference source for academics, researchers and postgraduate students interested in polymer blends, it will also be ideal for anyone involved in the fields of polymer science, polymer chemistry, polymer physics, materials science, scientists, R&D professionals, and engineers in involved in the development or engineering of polymer products. - Offers detailed and systematic coverage of essential and advanced topics relating to the compatibilization of polymer blends - Presents a critical analysis of the effect of compatibilization on morphology and thermal, mechanical, electrical and viscoelastic properties of polymer blends - Draws on novel studies and state-of-the-art research, discussing the latest issues and developments
Nanostructured Polymer Blends
Author: Sabu Thomas
Publisher: William Andrew
ISBN: 1455731609
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 570
Book Description
Over 30% of commercial polymers are blends or alloys or one kind or another. Nanostructured blends offer the scientist or plastics engineer a new range of possibilities with characteristics including thermodynamic stablility; the potential to improve material transparency, creep and solvent resistance; the potential to simultaneously increase tensile strength and ductility; superior rheological properties; and relatively low cost. Nanostructured Polymer Blends opens up immense structural possibilities via chemical and mechanical modifications that generate novel properties and functions and high-performance characteristics at a low cost. The emerging applications of these new materials cover a wide range of industry sectors, encompassing the coatings and adhesives industry, electronics, energy (photovoltaics), aerospace and medical devices (where polymer blends provide innovations in biocompatible materials). This book explains the science of nanostructure formation and the nature of interphase formations, demystifies the design of nanostructured blends to achieve specific properties, and introduces the applications for this important new class of nanomaterial. All the key topics related to recent advances in blends are covered: IPNs, phase morphologies, composites and nanocomposites, nanostructure formation, the chemistry and structure of additives, etc. - Introduces the science and technology of nanostructured polymer blends – and the procedures involved in melt blending and chemical blending to produce new materials with specific performance characteristics - Unlocks the potential of nanostructured polymer blends for applications across sectors, including electronics, energy/photovoltaics, aerospace/automotive, and medical devices (biocompatible polymers) - Explains the performance benefits in areas including rheological properties, thermodynamic stablility, material transparency, solvent resistance, etc.
Publisher: William Andrew
ISBN: 1455731609
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 570
Book Description
Over 30% of commercial polymers are blends or alloys or one kind or another. Nanostructured blends offer the scientist or plastics engineer a new range of possibilities with characteristics including thermodynamic stablility; the potential to improve material transparency, creep and solvent resistance; the potential to simultaneously increase tensile strength and ductility; superior rheological properties; and relatively low cost. Nanostructured Polymer Blends opens up immense structural possibilities via chemical and mechanical modifications that generate novel properties and functions and high-performance characteristics at a low cost. The emerging applications of these new materials cover a wide range of industry sectors, encompassing the coatings and adhesives industry, electronics, energy (photovoltaics), aerospace and medical devices (where polymer blends provide innovations in biocompatible materials). This book explains the science of nanostructure formation and the nature of interphase formations, demystifies the design of nanostructured blends to achieve specific properties, and introduces the applications for this important new class of nanomaterial. All the key topics related to recent advances in blends are covered: IPNs, phase morphologies, composites and nanocomposites, nanostructure formation, the chemistry and structure of additives, etc. - Introduces the science and technology of nanostructured polymer blends – and the procedures involved in melt blending and chemical blending to produce new materials with specific performance characteristics - Unlocks the potential of nanostructured polymer blends for applications across sectors, including electronics, energy/photovoltaics, aerospace/automotive, and medical devices (biocompatible polymers) - Explains the performance benefits in areas including rheological properties, thermodynamic stablility, material transparency, solvent resistance, etc.
Nanostructured Polymer Blends
Author: Roberto Scaffaro
Publisher: Elsevier Inc. Chapters
ISBN: 0128090820
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 47
Book Description
Nanofillers can play two important roles in polymer blends. The first is the improvement of various properties such as mechanical, barrier, thermal, flame retardancy, and electrical properties. The second is the modification of miscibility/compatibility and morphology of polymer blends. The mechanism of action of nanoparticles to modify the morphology, interfacial properties, and performance of immiscible polymer blends relies on their localization, their interactions with polymer components, and the way these additives disperse within the polymer blend. The objective of this chapter is to review the research on nanofilled thermoplastic/thermoplastic polymer blends, paying particular attention both to the distribution of nanoparticles inside a binary polymer blend and to the effect of nanofillers on the morphology and on the properties of the thermoplastic polymer blends. In a large majority of cases, thermoplastic polymer blends filled with nanoparticles show better compatibility in terms of morphology size than pure blends. Moreover, the formation of a cocontinuous structure is promoted by the presence of the nanofiller.
Publisher: Elsevier Inc. Chapters
ISBN: 0128090820
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 47
Book Description
Nanofillers can play two important roles in polymer blends. The first is the improvement of various properties such as mechanical, barrier, thermal, flame retardancy, and electrical properties. The second is the modification of miscibility/compatibility and morphology of polymer blends. The mechanism of action of nanoparticles to modify the morphology, interfacial properties, and performance of immiscible polymer blends relies on their localization, their interactions with polymer components, and the way these additives disperse within the polymer blend. The objective of this chapter is to review the research on nanofilled thermoplastic/thermoplastic polymer blends, paying particular attention both to the distribution of nanoparticles inside a binary polymer blend and to the effect of nanofillers on the morphology and on the properties of the thermoplastic polymer blends. In a large majority of cases, thermoplastic polymer blends filled with nanoparticles show better compatibility in terms of morphology size than pure blends. Moreover, the formation of a cocontinuous structure is promoted by the presence of the nanofiller.
Nanostructured Immiscible Polymer Blends
Author: Suprakas Sinha Ray
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0128168781
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 242
Book Description
Nanostructured Immiscible Polymer Blends: Migration and Interface covers a wide range of nanoparticle types, emphasizing the mechanisms and parameters involved in the migration of nanofillers inside immiscible polymer blends. This book explores the influence of nanoparticle migration on the localization, and hence, morphology development, electrical conductivity, and met-rheological properties of blended composite materials. As the influence of solid particles, ranging in size from several hundred nanometers to a few microns in immiscible polymer blends has been extensively studied for use as compatibilizers, morphology stabilizers, and reinforcement agents, this book is a timely resource. - Outlines techniques used to prepare nanoparticles-modified immiscible polymer blend composites - Explains the structural and morphological development, and melt-state rheological behaviors of nanoparticles-modified immiscible polymer blend composites - Discusses major industrial applications
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0128168781
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 242
Book Description
Nanostructured Immiscible Polymer Blends: Migration and Interface covers a wide range of nanoparticle types, emphasizing the mechanisms and parameters involved in the migration of nanofillers inside immiscible polymer blends. This book explores the influence of nanoparticle migration on the localization, and hence, morphology development, electrical conductivity, and met-rheological properties of blended composite materials. As the influence of solid particles, ranging in size from several hundred nanometers to a few microns in immiscible polymer blends has been extensively studied for use as compatibilizers, morphology stabilizers, and reinforcement agents, this book is a timely resource. - Outlines techniques used to prepare nanoparticles-modified immiscible polymer blend composites - Explains the structural and morphological development, and melt-state rheological behaviors of nanoparticles-modified immiscible polymer blend composites - Discusses major industrial applications
Handbook of Smart Materials, Technologies, and Devices
Author: Chaudhery Mustansar Hussain
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030842053
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 2831
Book Description
This handbook brings together technical expertise, conceptual background, applications, and societal aspects of Industry 4.0: the evolution of automation and data exchange in fabrication technologies, materials processing, and device manufacturing at both experimental and theoretical model scales. The book assembles all the aspects of Industry 4.0, starting from the emergence of the concept to the consequences of its progression. Drawing on expert contributors from around the world, the volume details the technologies that sparked the fourth revolution and illustrates their characteristics, potential, and methods of use in the industrial and societal domains. In addition, important topics such as ethics, privacy and security are considered in a reality where all data is shared and saved remotely. The collection of contribution serve a very broad audience working in the fields of science and engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, nanotechnology, energy, environment, green chemistry, sustainability, electrical and electronic engineering, solid-state physics, surface science, aerosol technology, chemistry, colloid science, device engineering, and computer technology. This handbook ideal reference libraries in universities and industrial institutions, government and independent institutes, individual research groups and scientists.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030842053
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 2831
Book Description
This handbook brings together technical expertise, conceptual background, applications, and societal aspects of Industry 4.0: the evolution of automation and data exchange in fabrication technologies, materials processing, and device manufacturing at both experimental and theoretical model scales. The book assembles all the aspects of Industry 4.0, starting from the emergence of the concept to the consequences of its progression. Drawing on expert contributors from around the world, the volume details the technologies that sparked the fourth revolution and illustrates their characteristics, potential, and methods of use in the industrial and societal domains. In addition, important topics such as ethics, privacy and security are considered in a reality where all data is shared and saved remotely. The collection of contribution serve a very broad audience working in the fields of science and engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, nanotechnology, energy, environment, green chemistry, sustainability, electrical and electronic engineering, solid-state physics, surface science, aerosol technology, chemistry, colloid science, device engineering, and computer technology. This handbook ideal reference libraries in universities and industrial institutions, government and independent institutes, individual research groups and scientists.
Encyclopedia of Polymer Blends, Volume 3
Author: Avraam I. Isayev
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 352731931X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 522
Book Description
A complete and timely overview of the topic, this Encyclopedia imparts knowledge of fundamental principles and their applications for academicians, scientists and researchers, while informing engineers, industrialists and entrepreneurs of the current state of the technology and its utilization. The most comprehensive source on polymer blends available on the market Offers a complete and timely overview of the topic Each article presents up to date research & development on a topic and its basic principles and applications, integrates case studies, laboratory and pilot plant experiments, and gives due reference to published and patented literature Equips academics, scientists and researchers with knowledge of fundamentals principles and their applications, and informs the engineers, industrialists and entrepreneurs about the state of the art technology and its applications
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 352731931X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 522
Book Description
A complete and timely overview of the topic, this Encyclopedia imparts knowledge of fundamental principles and their applications for academicians, scientists and researchers, while informing engineers, industrialists and entrepreneurs of the current state of the technology and its utilization. The most comprehensive source on polymer blends available on the market Offers a complete and timely overview of the topic Each article presents up to date research & development on a topic and its basic principles and applications, integrates case studies, laboratory and pilot plant experiments, and gives due reference to published and patented literature Equips academics, scientists and researchers with knowledge of fundamentals principles and their applications, and informs the engineers, industrialists and entrepreneurs about the state of the art technology and its applications
Unsaturated Polyester Resins
Author: Sabu Thomas
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0128163038
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 658
Book Description
Unsaturated Polyester Resins: Fundamentals, Design, Fabrication, and Applications explains the preparation, techniques and applications relating to the use of unsaturated polyester resin systems for blends, interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs), gels, composites and nanocomposites, enabling readers to understand and utilize the improved material properties that UPRs facilitate. Chapters cover unsaturated polyester resins and their interaction at the macro, micro and nano levels, in-depth studies on the properties and analysis of UPR based materials, and the applications of UPR based composites, blends, IPNs and gels across a range of advanced commercial and industrial fields. This is a highly detailed source of information on unsaturated polyester resins, supporting academics, researchers and postgraduate students working with UPRs, polyesters, polymeric or composite materials, polymer chemistry, polymer physics, and materials science, as well as scientists, R&D professionals and engineers in industry. - Covers the use of unsaturated polyester resin systems for blends, IPNs, gels, composites and nanocomposites - Presents cutting-edge techniques for the analysis and improvement of properties of advanced UPR-based materials - Unlocks the potential of unsaturated polyester resins in high-performance materials for a range of advanced applications
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0128163038
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 658
Book Description
Unsaturated Polyester Resins: Fundamentals, Design, Fabrication, and Applications explains the preparation, techniques and applications relating to the use of unsaturated polyester resin systems for blends, interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs), gels, composites and nanocomposites, enabling readers to understand and utilize the improved material properties that UPRs facilitate. Chapters cover unsaturated polyester resins and their interaction at the macro, micro and nano levels, in-depth studies on the properties and analysis of UPR based materials, and the applications of UPR based composites, blends, IPNs and gels across a range of advanced commercial and industrial fields. This is a highly detailed source of information on unsaturated polyester resins, supporting academics, researchers and postgraduate students working with UPRs, polyesters, polymeric or composite materials, polymer chemistry, polymer physics, and materials science, as well as scientists, R&D professionals and engineers in industry. - Covers the use of unsaturated polyester resin systems for blends, IPNs, gels, composites and nanocomposites - Presents cutting-edge techniques for the analysis and improvement of properties of advanced UPR-based materials - Unlocks the potential of unsaturated polyester resins in high-performance materials for a range of advanced applications
Characterization of Polymer Blends
Author: Sabu Thomas
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 3527331530
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 972
Book Description
Filling the gap for a reference dedicated to the characterization of polymer blends and their micro and nano morphologies, this book provides comprehensive, systematic coverage in a one-stop, two-volume resource for all those working in the field. Leading researchers from industry and academia, as well as from government and private research institutions around the world summarize recent technical advances in chapters devoted to their individual contributions. In so doing, they examine a wide range of modern characterization techniques, from microscopy and spectroscopy to diffraction, thermal analysis, rheology, mechanical measurements and chromatography. These methods are compared with each other to assist in determining the best solution for both fundamental and applied problems, paying attention to the characterization of nanoscale miscibility and interfaces, both in blends involving copolymers and in immiscible blends. The thermodynamics, miscibility, phase separation, morphology and interfaces in polymer blends are also discussed in light of new insights involving the nanoscopic scale. Finally, the authors detail the processing-morphology-property relationships of polymer blends, as well as the influence of processing on the generation of micro and nano morphologies, and the dependence of these morphologies on the properties of blends. Hot topics such as compatibilization through nanoparticles, miscibility of new biopolymers and nanoscale investigations of interfaces in blends are also addressed. With its application-oriented approach, handpicked selection of topics and expert contributors, this is an outstanding survey for anyone involved in the field of polymer blends for advanced technologies.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 3527331530
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 972
Book Description
Filling the gap for a reference dedicated to the characterization of polymer blends and their micro and nano morphologies, this book provides comprehensive, systematic coverage in a one-stop, two-volume resource for all those working in the field. Leading researchers from industry and academia, as well as from government and private research institutions around the world summarize recent technical advances in chapters devoted to their individual contributions. In so doing, they examine a wide range of modern characterization techniques, from microscopy and spectroscopy to diffraction, thermal analysis, rheology, mechanical measurements and chromatography. These methods are compared with each other to assist in determining the best solution for both fundamental and applied problems, paying attention to the characterization of nanoscale miscibility and interfaces, both in blends involving copolymers and in immiscible blends. The thermodynamics, miscibility, phase separation, morphology and interfaces in polymer blends are also discussed in light of new insights involving the nanoscopic scale. Finally, the authors detail the processing-morphology-property relationships of polymer blends, as well as the influence of processing on the generation of micro and nano morphologies, and the dependence of these morphologies on the properties of blends. Hot topics such as compatibilization through nanoparticles, miscibility of new biopolymers and nanoscale investigations of interfaces in blends are also addressed. With its application-oriented approach, handpicked selection of topics and expert contributors, this is an outstanding survey for anyone involved in the field of polymer blends for advanced technologies.
Crystallization in Multiphase Polymer Systems
Author: Sabu Thomas
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0128094311
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 612
Book Description
Crystallization in Multiphase Polymer Systems is the first book that explains in depth the crystallization behavior of multiphase polymer systems. Polymeric structures are more complex in nature than other material structures due to their significant structural disorder. Most of the polymers used today are semicrystalline, and the subject of crystallization is still one of the major issues relating to the performance of semicrystalline polymers in the modern polymer industry. The study of the crystallization processes, crystalline morphologies and other phase transitions is of great significance for the understanding the structure-property relationships of these systems. Crystallization in block copolymers, miscible blends, immiscible blends, and polymer composites and nanocomposites is thoroughly discussed and represents the core coverage of this book. The book critically analyzes the kinetics of nucleation and growth process of the crystalline phases in multi-component polymer systems in different length scales, from macro to nanoscale. Various experimental techniques used for the characterization of polymer crystallization process are discussed. Written by experts in the field of polymer crystallization, this book is a unique source and enables professionals and students to understand crystallization behavior in multiphase polymer systems such as block copolymers, polymer blends, composites and nanocomposites. - Covers crystallization of multiphase polymer systems, including copolymers, blends and nanocomposites - Features comprehensive, detailed information about the basic research, practical applications and new developments for these polymeric materials - Analyzes the kinetics of nucleation and growth process of the crystalline phases in multi-component polymer systems in different length scales, from macro to nanoscale
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0128094311
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 612
Book Description
Crystallization in Multiphase Polymer Systems is the first book that explains in depth the crystallization behavior of multiphase polymer systems. Polymeric structures are more complex in nature than other material structures due to their significant structural disorder. Most of the polymers used today are semicrystalline, and the subject of crystallization is still one of the major issues relating to the performance of semicrystalline polymers in the modern polymer industry. The study of the crystallization processes, crystalline morphologies and other phase transitions is of great significance for the understanding the structure-property relationships of these systems. Crystallization in block copolymers, miscible blends, immiscible blends, and polymer composites and nanocomposites is thoroughly discussed and represents the core coverage of this book. The book critically analyzes the kinetics of nucleation and growth process of the crystalline phases in multi-component polymer systems in different length scales, from macro to nanoscale. Various experimental techniques used for the characterization of polymer crystallization process are discussed. Written by experts in the field of polymer crystallization, this book is a unique source and enables professionals and students to understand crystallization behavior in multiphase polymer systems such as block copolymers, polymer blends, composites and nanocomposites. - Covers crystallization of multiphase polymer systems, including copolymers, blends and nanocomposites - Features comprehensive, detailed information about the basic research, practical applications and new developments for these polymeric materials - Analyzes the kinetics of nucleation and growth process of the crystalline phases in multi-component polymer systems in different length scales, from macro to nanoscale