Prof. Muthupandian Ashokkumar obtained his Bachelor of Science (1982) and Master (1984) degrees from Madurai- Kamaraj University. In 1989 he obtained his PhD from University of Madras, India. Ashokkumar is currently a professor in the School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne. Within the school, he is the group leader of the sonochemistry research group. His research group has been exploring various industrial applications of ultrasound. In collaboration with Food Science Australia, they have also been investigating the use of ultrasound in food processing applications. The sonochemistry research group has also been exploring the use of ultrasound for synthesizing targeted drug delivery agents. In addition, they use ultrasound to generate efficient catalytic materials for wastewater treatment using alternative energy resources such as solar energy. Ashokkumar is receiver of a number of awards including Grimwade Prize in Industrial Chemistry.

The aim of this handbook is to summarize the recent development in the topic of ultrasonics and sonochemistry, especially in the areas of functional materials and processing applications. This handbook will benefit the readers as a full and quick technical reference with a high-level historic review of technology, detailed technical descriptions and the latest practical applications. This handbook is divided into five main sections: fundamentals of ultrasonics and sonochemistry, biomaterials, food processing, catalysts, wastewater remediation. Each section and chapter is written by reputable international scholars and industrial experts.
The handbook comprehensively covers the fundamentals of sonochemistry along with key applications. The handbook strives to be a self-contained, easily-understandable reference that will also include up to date knowledge based on research articles. This handbook serves tol provide a quick and reliable knowledge for new comers from chemistry, bioengineering, food processing, environmental engineering, in both academia and in industrial fields.  

Fundamentals and Principles.- Acoustic Cavitation.- Sonoluminescence.- Sonochemistry.- Applications as Biomaterials.- Sonolytic Designs of Nanostructures.- Micro Bubble Formation and Utilizations.- Biomedical Applications.- Applications in Food Processing.- Controlled Emulsification in Dairy Systems.- Sonoreactor for the Food Industry.- Enzyme Activation and Inactivation.- Applications as Catalysts.- Applications in Wastewater Remediation.- Sonochemical Removal of Inorganic Pollutants.- Sonochemical Removal of Organic Pollutants.- Sonochemical Removal of Biological Pollutants.