Novel Applications of Functionally Graded Nano, Optoelectronic and Thermoelectric Materials

Functionally graded materials are a novel class of materials having unique characteristics.They are graded property materials and are used as medical implants, for thermal protection of space vehicles, as thermoelectric converter for energy conservation etc. Due to their versatility of behaviour, they are now used as nano, optoelectronic and thermoelectric materials also.Future applications demand materials having extraordinary mechanical, electronic and thermal properties which can sustain different environment conditions and are easily available at reasonable prices.The carbon nanotubes (CNT) reinforced functionally graded composite materials (FGCM) is expected to be the new generation material having a wide range of unexplored potential applications in various technological areas such as aerospace, defence, energy, automobile, medicine, structural and chemical industry.They can be used as gas adsorbents, templates, actuators, catalyst supports, probes, chemical sensors, nanopipes, nano-reactors etc.This paper aims at elaborating the development of such materials by compiling the ongoing researches.In this regard, the research developments of newer materials by different investigators have been presented here.Brief details of the development of CNT reinforced Functionally Graded composite materials, FGM in optoelectronic applications, FG thermoelectric materials have been presented here.In these elaborations, it is shown by the respective investigators that these FGMs can be effectively used as MRI scanner cryogenic tubes, tools and dies, solar panels, photodetectors , high temperature joining materials and various structural elements etc.