E-MRS 2012 Fall Meeting, September 17–21, Warsaw University of Technology - Preface

The aim of “Nanoceramics and Ceramic based Nanocomposites” Symposium was to review current state-of-the-art in the multidisciplinary research on nanostructured ceramics and ceramic based nanocomposites with the primary focus on reinforcement the relationship between basic science and engineering at the nanoscale level. Oxide and non-oxide nanoceramics, glass/metal/carbon-ceramic composites (particle, nanofibers, nanotubes, graphene reinforced), in situ and polymer derived nanocomposites in the form of nanopowders, coatings and bulk materials (monoliths, layered composites and FGM) was the subject of the Symposium with application potential as • Structural nanoceramics as cutting tools, engine components, with improved hardness, strength, fracture toughness, creep, thermal shock and oxidation resistance, • Functional nanoceramics and composites for electronic applications, dielectrics, ferroelectrics, and piezoelectric materials. Ceramics for microwave and wireless communication technologies, • Materials for biomedical applications in orthopedics, dentistry, drug delivery, bioactive coatings and interfaces, tissue engineering, • Nanoceramics related to global challenges in the fields of energy and environment, connected with energy production, storage, batteries, photovoltaics, fuel cells, solar cells, supercapacitors, thermoelectrics. Hot topics covered by the symposium: • Advanced synthesis and processing technologies for nanopowder preparation and bulk & coating nanoceramics processing – plasma & laser synthesis, spark plasma sintering. • Micro/nano – structure characterization of nanoceramics and composites – AFM, HREM, XAFS, XPS, ETEM. • Mechanical and functional properties at nano level – nanohardness, nanotribology, nanoscratch. • Recent and potential applications of nanoceramics and ceramic based nanocomposites. The invited talks provided in-depth coverage of different subjects: Manuel Belmonte “Carbon nanotubes/Si3N4nanocomposites for tribological and electrical emerging applications” Ulf Jansson “Design of amorphous and nanocomposite metal carbide” Hans-Joachim Kleebe “Microstructure characterization of nanoceramics” Pavol Šajgalík “Si3N4 + SiC nanoceramics with excellent room and high temperature properties” János Szépvölgyi “Thermal plasma synthesis of ceramic nanopowders and their characterization” Richard Todd “Aligned and continuous MWCNT/glass-ceramic nanocomposites” Paula Vilarinho “Development and properties of functional nanoceramics” Ashok Vaseashta “Nanoceramic based fibers for force protection and situational awareness” Markus Winterer “Nanocrystalline Composites based on Zinc Oxide: Preparation, Characterization and Properties” Nitin P. Padture “Perspective on Nanoceramics, Nanocomposites, and Carbon Nanomaterials for Structural and Functional Applications” The participants from 17 countries contributed 52 oral and 45 poster presentations. “Nanoceramics and Ceramic based Nanocomposites” Symposium met our goal of providing a snapshot of the state of nanoceramic research over the World. We appreciate the time and effort of authors, editors and referees have devoted to make this publication a really valuable source