Carbon-Based Nanocomposites for Lightweight Composites

The application of materials in various industrial applications requires tailored properties based on specific requirements. One such requirement for aerospace applications is lightweight materials with high strength and durability. This chapter reports the various innovative applications, manufacturing aspects, and materials compositions for carbon-based lightweight materials mainly carbon-based nanocomposites. As industries are looking for materials that can combine strength, durability, and reduced weight, carbon nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon nanofibers, and nano-graphite have emerged as potential candidates for lightweight and high-strength composite materials. The various fabrication techniques for processing carbon-based nanomaterials and composites, including solution mixing, melt compounding, and in situ polymerization, have been reported while emphasizing the microstructure and performance of the resulting composites. The various mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of the multiple material systems consisting of carbon-based nanocomposites are discussed and compared. The effect of carbon-based materials on various functional properties has been discussed highlighting the applications in aerospace, biosensors, automotive, and sporting goods while demonstrating the advanced material’s contribution to weight reduction without compromising the performance. This chapter also focuses on some of the challenges of carbon-based nanocomposites such as uniformity in dispersion, bonding, interfaces, sustainability, and scalability in fabrication processes. The chapter further outlines the future direction in this area and the potential of carbon nanocomposites to revolutionize lightweight material design across various advanced sectors.