This book begins with a review of the mechanical and durability properties and microstructural characteristics of concrete made with partial incorporation of coal bottom ash. Following this, the chemical aspects of interactions of aluminum-containing accelerators in Portland cement-based materials are described, explaining their effect on the kinetics of Portland cement hydration and the stability of Portland cement materials when exposed to various corrosive factors. A review of India’s cement industry is provided, particularly focusing on water positive manufacturing, consuming wastes like fly ash and slag, reducing CO2 emissions, and taxes. Several different types of single crystal and multilayer composite heavy-oxide scintillation materials are discussed, having been developed and characterized for fast neutron detection for homeland security and nuclear safeguards applications. A new class of inorganic hydrogen-containing scintillators based on potassium dihydrogen phosphate and related compounds activated by ions of thallium or cerium is also investigated. The use of mixed metal oxides as oxygen carriers under the chemical looping reaction scheme is proposed to overcome the current disadvantages of the partial oxidation of methane processes. In the concluding study, titanium, aluminum nitride and hafnium oxide thin films are applied to ceramic electrical insulators to promote surface self-cleaning properties to minimize the effects of leakage current.
