Nanotechnology
Volume 26 - 2002

Editorial

Over the last 5 years, an extensive amount of research and research funding has gravitated toward the area of Nanotechnology. Indeed, throughout the world, nanotechnology has become one of the greatest priorities for research in Universities, Research Organisations and Industry. The arm of nanotechnology has a wide breadth and encompasses many disciplines. These disciplines include chemistry, physics, biology, and materials science and engineering. This edition aims to make the reader aware of the many different areas of nanotechnology. This includes nano-particles, nano-structures, nano-composites, surface modification on a nano level, and nano-characterisation. These nano-materials are finding uses in optical and electronic devices, cosmetics, energy, environmental control, as well as medical applications.

The papers in this volume of Materials Forum are based on the invited lectures delivered at the "1st National Conference and Exhibition on NANOTECHNOLOGY" held in Sydney Australia 25th-27th September 2002, chaired by Dr Terry Turney. While this edition is a slight departure from immediate past practice, it is an opportunity for Materials Forum to illustrate the breadth of this field of materials research currently in progress in Australia, to contribute to the development of the discipline, and to serve the interests of the wider Australian and international materials community. All contributions were subject to the usual independent peer review process.

The success of any Journal is critically dependant on the efforts of the reviewers who read the manuscipts on the Editors behalf. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the reviewers. The high calibre of the Journal is a result of the dedication of the independent referees who carefully review each manuscipt and provide the authors with constructive criticism. Although the referees, by necessity, are anonymous contributors to the quality of the Journal, their effort is very much appreciated. This Journal would not be possible without their help.

On a final note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Guest editors for their dedicated service. They helped to maintain Materials Forum as a highly respected review journal. Their expertise and advice is greatly appreciated.

Editor

Dr Richard Wuhrer
Microstructural Analysis Unit
Faculty of Science
University of Technology, Sydney
Australia

Guest Editors

Dr Vijoleta Braach-Maksvytis
General Manager CSIRO Global Aid
Co-Director CSIRO Nanotechnology
CSIRO

Dr Terry Turney
Co-Director CSIRO Nanotechnology
CSIRO

Aims and Scope

Materials Forum is published annually and presents critical reviews of recent research in materials science and engineering. These are written by researchers active in the field, reflecting areas of Australian interest and expertise, but are not limited to Australian research. Most importantly, it is expected that articles will, in the first instance, be intelligible to a wide audience of materials scientists and engineers who are not necessarily familiar with the specific field. Reviews will be succinct but authoritative. They may also be extended to include a complex analysis of current theories or present a new interpretation of existing knowledge. In this way, the reviews may also be useful to specialists. All articles are solicited by the Editorial Committee and are independently refereed by two or more assessors.

© 2002 Institute of Materials Engineering Australasia Ltd. Authorisation of copy items for internal or personal use, or the internal or personal use of specific clients, is granted by the Institute of Materials Engineering Australasia Ltd for libraries and other users registered with the copyright clearance centre (CCC) Transactional Reporting Service, provided that the base fee of $5.00 per copy is paid directly to CCC, 27 Congress Street, Salem, MA, 01970-7952/91, USA.