Reduced-dimensional material

Table 5.3-1 Examples of reduced-dimensional material geometries, and definitions of their dimensionality and of the associated type of confinement...

One of the shortcomings of thermoplastic materials is dimensional stability owing to the high coefficient of thermal expansion. Typically, this can be on the order of 50 X 10"6 cm/cm/°C. The coefficient for glass is a much lower 5 X 10"6 cm/cm/°C, and it is, therefore, effective in reducing dimensional changes. 

Quantum size effects related to the dimensionahty of a system in the nanometer range suggests a plethora of future applications using novel material properties. Whereas three-dimensional systems have an infinite extent in all three directions, in layered systems, for example atomic monolayers and thin films, the dimensionality is two, i.e. they are characterized by a limited number of layers. Consequently, a one-dimensional material is represented by wires on an atomic or molecular scale and may be realized in fibers or polymers. Zero-dimensional particles are reduced in all directions to such an extent that the properties of the original bulk system cannot... 

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