This volume provides a one-stop resource, compiling current research on developments in strategic materials. It is a collection of papers from The American Ceramic Society s 32nd International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites, January 27-February 1, 2008. Papers included in this issue come from five symposia: "Thermoelectric Materials for Power Conversion;" "Basic Science of Multifunctional Ceramics;" "Science of Ceramic Interfaces;" "Geopolymers;" and "Materials for Solid State Lighting." This is a valuable, up-to-date resource for researchers working in the field.

Increasing awareness and concern for energy resources and the environment have stimulated significant advances in materials and technology for energy conversion in recent years. This volume, the ninth in a popular series, focuses on novel materials, materials processing and device technologies for direct thermal-to-electric energy conversion, and emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of research needed to advance the field. The volume begins with an overview of the state of the art in high-temperature thermoelectric materials by Harald Bottner. The section on nanocomposite materials...

Importantly, it provides the readers with methodology and concepts utilizing atomic scale and nanoscale materials design (such as superlattice structuring, atomic network structuring and properties control, electron correlation design, low dimensionality, nanostructuring, etc.).