Fabrication and applications of multi-functional nanocomposites filled with carbon based nanomaterials

Abstract

Carbon based nanomaterials (CNT, graphene) have been received intensive attention as advanced nano-fillers to overcome the limitations of traditional composite materials because of their outstanding mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. The important issues of carbon nanomaterials filled nanocomposites are homogeneous dispersion of carbon nanomaterials in matrices and control of interfacial characteristics between fillers and matrices. In this study, fabrication processes and characterizations of multi-functional nanocomposites filled with carbon based nanomaterials in various inorganic and organic matrices are reviewed. The technological issues are suggested to control the homogeneity of fillers and interfacial adhesive behavior between carbon based nanomaterials and matrices based on microstructural characterization. The results on the characterization of structural and functional properties of the nanocomposites are reviewed to understand possible application areas as multi-functional materials. The metal matrix nanocomposites filled with carbon based nanomaterials, such as CNT/Cu, CNT/Ni, CNT/Al, Graphene/Cu, and Graphene/Mg, are suggested as advanced structural materials due to their outstanding yield strength, modulus and wear resistance. The ceramic matrix nanocomposites filled with carbon based nanomaterial, such as CNT/Al2O3, Graphene/Al2O3 and Graphene/Si3N4, show significantly enhanced mechanical properties including hardness, strength and fracture toughness. The polymer matrix nanocomposites filled with carbon based nanomaterials, such as CNT/Epoxy, CNT/PE, CNT/PMMA, CNT/PPV, Graphene/Epoxy, Graphene/PU, Graphene/PS and Graphene/PEDOT:PSS show wide scope functional properties for possible applications as lightweight toughened plastics, electrodes for supercapacitors & Li ion batteries, stretchable conductors and organic photovoltaic materials. It is expected that the nanocomposites filled with carbon based nanomaterials will grow as emerging advanced multi-functional materials to replace the traditional materials or components for various upcoming applications.