ABSTRACT
The application of microwave (MW) energy to the processing of various materials, such as ceramics, metals, and composites, offers several advantages over conventional (CV) heating methods. This chapter focuses on oxide functional materials. The functional materials are described from the mixed valences and stoichio-metry points of view to understand the structural evolution and transformation of different materials systems. Functional materials cover a wide range of organic and inorganic materials. Functional materials are considered as a group of smart materials that are distinctly different from structural materials. Smart materials and smart structures are a new emerging materials system that combines contemporary materials science with information science. The development of smart materials undoubtedly is an essential task in many fields of science and technology, such as information science, microelectronics, computer science, medical treatment, life science, energy, transportation, and safety engineering and military technologies.
