Mineral additives are widespread in industrial manufacturing processes. So-called mineral fillers are used to extend raw materials and cut costs. Recently minerals and associated inorganics have frequently been used for their functionality and other mineral-specific qualities. associated inorganics have frequently been used for their functionality and other mineral-specific qualities.

The emergence of nanoscale minerals parallels the global pursuit of nanotechnology. The use of these minerals plays an important role in low-cost, high-performance application of nanotechnology.

This 21-chapter compilation is for mineral suppliers, industrial users of mineral fillers, and those concerned with new trends in mineral processing and nanotechnology. Contributions by leading international researchers highlight the emerging markets and applications of functional fillers and nanoscale minerals.

Mineral fillers are used in industrial manufacturing processes to extend raw materials and cut costs, and more recently sometimes used for their functionality and other mineral-specific qualities. The 21 papers here are from a symposium at the Society's 2006 annual meeting.

In addition to new markets, they discuss nanocomposites and nanofluids, functional fillers, the formation and characterization of nanoparticles and surfaces, and applications of nanomaterials and nanominerals. There is no index.