CALL FOR PAPERS
Nano dielectrics
It is now almost exactly 10 years since the first experimental results on the unique dielectric properties of polymer nanocompositives were published. Since that time there has been a remarkable surge of interest all over the world. Indeed, the term Nanodielectric was really not known at all in the 20th century. This surge of activity has been accompanied by special sessions at conferences and special editions of several Journals including these Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation {October 2004 edited by Dissado and Fothergill, and February 2008 edited by Nelson and Schadler). Furthermore, books have emerged to chronicle some of the major issues and attributes. We are pleased to announce that the April 2014 issue of the IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation (TDEI) will be devoted to nanodielectrics.
Since those early years, the technology has evolved as would be expected. In particular, there is now a realization that all materials are not created equal. Indeed, it is likely that some early formulations would not have qualified as “nanodielectrics” at all today! It is now known that certain attributes, particularly the dispersion, are dominant in controlling the properties. While the guest editors are excited about inviting contributions for a third Special Issue on Nanodielectrics, it is necessary that any submitted papers adequately document measures to ensure the quality of the materials used [e.g. provide evidence (TEM etc.) that shows good dispersion and distribution of the fillers]. By this means, it is hoped to generate a full issue that can be relied on as a source for state-of-the-art nanodielectrics information.
Given the importance of processing, papers providing innovative approaches in the formulation of nanodielectrics are particularly welcome, as are contributions on theoretical aspects, which have generally lagged the experimental thrust. This Transactions has often prided itself on being a vehicle for experimental chemists to publish their work on dielectric structures. Given the important influence of the “interaction zones” thought to surround included nanoparticulates, papers on the chemistry of functionalization are also particularly sought. In the same vain, some of these materials are beginning to see industrial service in applications. Such innovative industrial applications are also of great interest to the readership. Additionally, contributions that explore the possibility of using nanodielectrics as “smart materials” whose properties may be influenced by external stimuli are of interest. However, all papers addressing issues associated with Nanodielectrics are welcome, including those in specialist areas such as biodielectrics. All papers will be fully refereed.
Papers for this special issue must be submitted to the IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation web portal (http://www.cloznet.com/ieeetdei) by 1 July 2013 at the latest. Instructions for the preparation of manuscripts and a template are available at the website. The co-Guest Editors for this issue are J. Keith Nelson and Linda S. Schadler of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (110 Eighth Street, Troy, NY 12180-3590, USA) to whom questions may be addressed. Email addresses are [email protected] and [email protected].
J. Keith Nelson Linda S. Schadler
