INTRODUCTION TO HYBRID MATERIALS Introduction Synthetic Strategies towards Hybrid Materials Crystalline Hybrids Nanocomposite Components Structural Engineering Properties and Applications Characterization of Materials Summary NANOCOMPOSITES OF POLYMERS AND INORGANIC PARTICLES Introduction Consequences of Very Small Particle sizes Historical Reports on Inorganic Nanoparticles and Polymer Nanocomposites Preparation of Polymer Nanocomposites Properties and Applications of Polymer Nanocomposites Summary HYBRID ORGANIC/INORGANIC PARTICLES Introduction Methods for Creating Particles Hybrid Nanoparticles Obtained Through Self-assembly Techniques O/I Nanoparticles Obtained by in Situ Polymerization Techniques Hybrid Particles Obtained by Simultaneously Reacting Organic Monomers and Mineral Precursors Conclusion INTERCALATION COMPOUNDS AND CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES Introduction Polymer Lamellar Material Nanocomposites Nanostructures and Characterization Preparation of Polymer-clay Nanocomposites Non-Montmorillonite Nanocomposites Properties of Polymer Nanocomposites Applications of Nanocomposites Conclusion and Prospects for the Future NANOCARBON HYBRID MATERIALS (OR HYBRIDS WITH NANOCARBONS) General Introduction Nanocarbon Building Blocks Synthesis Routes towards Nanocarbon Hybrids Synergistic Effects Applications of Nanocarbon Hybrids Challenges and Outlook POROUS HYBRID MATERIALS General Introduction and Historical Development General Routes towards Hybrid Materials Classification of Porous Hybrid Materials by the Type of Interaction Applications and Properties of Porous Hybrid Materials SOL-GEL PROCESSING OF HYBRID ORGANIC-INORGANIC MATERIALS BASED ON POLYSILSESQUIOXANES Introduction Forming Polysilsesquioxanes Type I Structures: Polyhedral Oligosilsesquioxanes (POSS) Type II Structures: Amorphous Oligo- and Polysilsesquioxanes Type III: Bridged Polysilsesquioxanes Summary NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL HYBRID BIOMATERIALS Introduction Building Blocks Biomineralization Bioinspired Hybrid Materials Responses Summary MEDICAL APPLICATIONS OF HYBRID MATERIALS Introduction Bioactive Inorganic-Organic Hybrids Surface Modifications for Biocompatible Materials Porous Hybrids for Tissue Engineering Scaffolds and Bioreactors Chitosan-based Hybrids for Drug Delivery Systems Summary HYBRID MATERIALS FOR OPTICAL APPLICATIONS Introduction Synthesis Strategy for Optical Applications Hybrids for Coatings Hybrids for Light-emitting Sources Hybrids for Biomedicine Hybrids for Photochromic and Photovoltaic Devices Hybrids for Integrated Optics Summary ELECTRONIC AND ELECTROCHEMICAL APPLICATIONS OF HYBRID MATERIALS Introduction Historical Background Fundamental Mechanisms of Conductivity in Hybrid Materials Explanation of the Different Materials Special Analytical Techniques Applications Summary INORGANIC/ORGANIC HYBRID COATINGS General Introduction to Commodity Organic Coatings General Formation of Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Coatings Alkyds and Other Polyester Coatings Polyurethane and Polyurea Coatings Radiation Curable Coatings Applications Summary.