Abstract
The aim of the present talk is to introduce the field of ultrasonics to Scientists for a wide range of applications starting from materials characterisation to preparation of nanomaterials. Ultrasound techniques are unique and find wide applications and acceptance in all fields of science and technology. Some of the common applications are defect characterisation in industries, diagnosis applications in medicine, food processing in food industry, materials characterisation in R & D, preparation of nanoparticles in nanotechnology, etc. Ultrasonic technique is a versatile tool to explore the structural changes/transformations, phase transformations, Curie temperature, microstructural changes, precipitation, deformation process, mechanical properties, grain size, strength, hardness and toughness of the materials over a wide range of temperatures. 

Thus the application of ultrasound to industries, materials characterisation, medical diagnosis etc. is well known. Nevertheless, the application of ultrasound to chemistry is not known even though it has tremendous application in the field of chemistry.  This is mainly due to the creation, growth and collapse of a bubble which is formed in the liquid during the propagation of the ultrasound. Employing sonochemical reactions one can produce variety of nanomaterials such as metals, alloys, metal oxides, dielectric materials and others. All these applications of ultrasound are possible due to the close association of the ultrasonic waves with various properties of the medium through which it is propagated. The availability of different frequency ranges and many modes of vibrations of ultrasound waves aid to probe into the macro, micro and submicroscopic levels, facilitate to employ ultrasonics as a unique tool. In the present talk, the principles and experimental methods used for the characterisation of materials and the preparation of the nanomaterials have been presented with suitable illustrations.

Prof. V. RAJENDRAN obtained his Ph. D degree from Annamalai University in 1993. He is current appointed as Head of Dept. of Physics, and Co-ordinator for Nanomaterials Science and Technology Research Centre (NSTRC). His research interests include i) Materials characterization; ii) Non-destructive testing and evaluation; iii) New materials such as biomaterials, perovskite manganite materials, SMA, nuclear materials, and aeronautical materials etc.; and iv) Preparation and characterisation of Nanomaterials (metal oxides, magnetic materials, metal powders etc.). Prof. V. RAJENDRAN has published more than 70 papers in scientific journals and conferences proceedings. He also filed a few patens and authored 10 text books.

Address: Prof. V. Rajendran, Department of Physics, Mepco Schlenk Engineering College, Mepco Engineering College (PO)- 626 005, Virudhunagar (Dt), Tamilnadu, India. Email: vrajendran@mepcoeng.ac.in