Chapter 1 - Processing Methods of Nanomaterials

Abstract

In this chapter, the processing methods of bulk nanomaterials and nanocrystalline particles are overviewed. Mostly, those techniques are presented here that are used for production of the materials studied in this book. These processing methods include “top-down” procedures that produce nanomaterials by severe plastic deformation, such as equal-channel angular pressing, high-pressure torsion, twist extrusion, and accumulative roll bonding. In addition, an overview of “bottom-up” synthesis methods of nanoparticles, such as inert gas condensation, electro-explosion of wire, sonochemical and hydrothermal syntheses, is also presented. In these processes, the particles are built up from individual atoms or from their clusters. Another route for production of nanostructured powders is milling, which is a “top-down” nanopowder processing technique. The powders obtained by either “top-down” or “bottom-up” methods can be sintered into bulk nanomaterials. The most frequently used consolidation techniques, e.g., hot isostatic pressing and spark plasma sintering, are described in this chapter. Finally, the details of electrodeposition of nanostructured thin films and nanocrystallization of bulk amorphous materials are presented.