This volume collects selected papers presented and discussed during the 9th National Conference organized by the Italian Association of Materials Engineering, AIMAT from 2008 at Piano di Sorrento (Napoli, Italy). It gives a valuable representation of highlights of the research and development activities running in 21 Italian universities and research centers in the field of materials science and engineering. All the reported research topics are focused on a methodological approach that takes into account scientific issues and engineering aspects related to real applications.

Mesoporous Hybrid Titania and Silica Films Prepared Via Post-Synthesis Grafting of a Luminescent Zinc Complex. Behaviour of Different Silica-Based Mesoporous as Matrixes for Drug Controlled Release. Consolidation of Archaeological Woods of Herculaneum by Synthetic Polymers. Load Bearing Capacity and Failure Modes Analysis ofPVD/HVOF Duplex Coatings. Fluidized Soil-Cement Mixes for Backfilling. Degradation of Mortars and Steel Inserts from the Ciborium of the Medieval Abbey of San Pietro al Monte. . Experimental Data for the Application of Performance-Based Methods for the Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures Subjected to Carbonation. Pure and Substituted Hydroxyapatite Nanopowders by Precipitation. Role of Localized Attacks in NN-SCC on Gas Pipelines. Experimental Study on Triboelectric Charging and Separation for Plastic Polymers Recovery from WEEE. Immobilization of Heavy Metals in Contaminated Sediments by Mechanochemical Treatment. Effect of a Heat Treatment on the Bioactivity of Titania-Hydroxyapatite Functionally Graded Coatings. Hydration, Swelling, Erosion and Drug Release from HPMC and HPMC/TP Matrices. Thermoset/Thermoplastic Blends. Optimization of MSWI Fly Ashes Cementitious Stabilization/Solidification Process by Means of Pre-Treatment Steps. Manufacture of Novel Building Materials by Recycling of a MSWI Bottom Ash. Mechanical Properties of Pre-Loaded Concretes. Preparation and Characterization of (Sr,Mg)-Substituted LaGaO3 Via Co-Precipitation in Aqueous Medium. Antibacterial Activity of Nano-Structured TiO2 Surfaces. Formulation of Agricultural Films by Using Recycled Polymers. Tensile Creep Behaviour of LLDPE-Fumed Silica Nanocomposites. Sol Gel Functionalized Textiles for Easy Care and Increased Comfort. Silane Pre-treatments for Galvanised Steel. Adsorption and Diffusion of Carbon Dioxide in Polyethylenimine-Modified SBA-15 Silicas. Concrete for Public Housing in Trieste During in the Beginning of the 20th Century. Properties of Glassy Polym