Material research focusing on advanced applications is rapidly expanding in the field of science and technology. Due to their unique physical, chemical, and functional attributes, multifunctional nanomaterials, polymers, and composites are useful in various technologies. As a result, significant research has been invested in developing these advanced functional materials (AFMs) in terms of synthesis, engineering, functionality, and applications. AFMs are emerging materials which can have several properties by varying the composition. These AFMs are employed in a wide range of applications. For instance, advanced research systems in engineering, medicine, and environmental protection, as well as everyday electronics. The future of materials must be focused on developing AFMs that may set new benchmarks in several engineering applications such as aviation, refineries, structural, power plants, shipbuilding and automotive, etc.

Nowadays, advanced functional material research is developing in a way that brings modern technology with intelligent systems. AFMs are gaining substantial attention for developing and improving polymers, energy conversion, fine ceramics, biomedicine, electronics, green fuel cells, quantum, and photonic technologies. AFMs can be prepared through squeeze casting, stir casting, centrifugal casting, powder metallurgy, deposition techniques, and additive manufacturing routes. However, some of these techniques are too expensive when bulk-type AFMs are required. Therefore, the challenge when attempting to expand the industrial applications of AFMs is to prepare the components with progressively disseminated properties in a simple and cost-effective manner.

The aim of this Special Issue is to bring together original research and review articles discussing the microstructure, properties and tribological behaviour of advanced functional materials. We especially welcome submissions including lightweight materials, micron or nanoparticles based advanced functional composite materials.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Additive manufacturing technologies for micron or nanoparticles based advanced functional composite materials
• Applications of lightweight composite materials
• Non-traditional machining processes for lightweight materials
• Friction, lubrication, oil performance, wear and heat treatment processes
• Advanced and analytical electron microscopy characterization
• Modelling analysis and optimization for lightweight materials
• Manufacturing techniques for advanced functional materials
• Traditional and advanced joining techniques for lightweight materials
• Structure of smart lightweight materials
• Application of lightweight materials in Industry 4.0 concept
• Microstructure of advanced functional materials in energy and engineering materials
• Tribological behaviour of lightweight materials
• Tribological behaviour of micron or nanoparticle-based advanced functional composite materials