Composite and nanocomposite polymers are driving transformative innovations in aerospace, automotive, and construction industries by offering exceptional performance characteristics. Recent advancements have significantly enhanced strength-to-weight ratios, thermal stability, and durability, addressing key engineering challenges. Aerospace applications, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 XWB, demonstrate weight reductions of up to 20%, improving fuel efficiency and payload capacity. Automotive innovations, like the BMW i3, achieve a 50% weight reduction, enhancing fuel economy and reducing emissions. Construction benefits from self-healing and 3D-printed composites, promoting sustainability and extended material lifespans. This review highlights cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, including in situ polymerization and additive manufacturing, which optimize scalability and performance. Advanced reinforcement strategies, such as functionalization and hybridization, have demonstrated tensile strength improvements exceeding 80% with minimal filler content. The integration of nanotechnology further enhances barrier properties and thermal conductivity, expanding applications to high-performance environments. Through case studies and future perspectives, this paper underscores the pivotal role of composite and nanocomposite polymers in modern structural engineering while addressing sustainability challenges and paving pathways for future innovations.
PielichowskiKNjugunaJ. Polymer nanocomposites: advanced strategies for synthesis, characterization, and processing. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2018.
5.
AdvaniSGSozerEM. Processing and properties of nanocomposites. Singapore: World Scientific Publishing; 2017.
6.
TadesseMGPrince PeriyasamyALübbenJF. Nanomaterials Based Polymer Composites: Mechanical Properties. In: AbdellaouiHSanjayM RSiengchinS (eds), Mechanics of Nanomaterials and Polymer Nanocomposites. Smart Nanomaterials Technology. Singapore: Springer, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-2352-6_7
7.
LianFWangCYangX, et al. Advances in polymers and composite dielectrics for thermal transport and high-temperature applications. Compos A Appl Sci Manuf2022; 154: 107320. DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2022.107320.
8.
PengWCaiYFanslauL, et al. Nanoengineering with RAFT polymers: from nanocomposite design to applications. Polym Chem2021; 12(15): 2234–2245.
9.
SabetMSoleimaniH. The addition of graphene nanoplatelets on the thermal characteristics of polycarbonate. AIP Conf Proc2023; 2643(1): 1–5.
10.
DesaiSShankarR. Emerging trends in polymers, composites, and nano biomaterial applications. In: SharmaSMishraV (eds.) Emerging Trends in Polymers, Composites, and Nano Biomaterial Applications. Springer, 2021; pp. 15–30. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-35876-1_2.
11.
LionettoFEspinoza-GonzálezC. Emerging polymer-based nanocomposites. Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology2022; DOI: 10.1177/18479804221084822.
12.
SaleemRLiXSoyekwoF, et al. A comprehensive overview of common conducting polymer-based nanocomposites; recent advances in design and applications. Eur Polym J2021; DOI: 10.1016/J.EURPOLYMJ.2021.110773.
13.
HassanTSalamAKhanSU, et al. Functional nanocomposites and their potential applications: a review. J Polym Res2021; DOI: 10.1007/S10965-021-02408-1.
14.
MahmoudYZaghloulM, et al. Developments in polyester composite materials 2013: an in-depth review on natural fibres and nano fillers. Compos Struct2021; DOI: 10.1016/J.COMPSTRUCT.2021.114698.
15.
KolyaHKuilaTKimNH, et al. Polymer nanocomposites for energy-related applications. Chem Papers2021; DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-818484-4.00006-9.
16.
HazarikaDKarakN. Fundamentals of polymeric nanostructured materials. 2021; DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-814657-6.00002-1.
17.
IdumahCI. Recent advancements in self-healing polymers, polymer blends, and nanocomposites. Polym Polym Compos2020; DOI: 10.1177/0967391120910882.
18.
ParasharPPandeyK. Preparation and characterization of polymer nanocomposites. 2020; DOI: 10.4236/SNL.2020.101001.
19.
RavindraSShahmoradiBWantalaK, et al. Potentiality of polymer nanocomposites for sustainable environmental applications: a review of recent advances. Polymer2021; 124: 121–133.
20.
VargheseNFrancisTShellyM, et al. Nanocomposites of polymer matrices: nanoscale processing. In: KumarVMishraRK (eds.), Nanoscale processing. Boca Raton, FL: Elsevier, 2021, pp.383–406.
ElehinafeBAyeniAO. Processing of polymer-based nanocomposites in advanced engineering and military applications. London: InTechOpen, 2019.
23.
KausarA. Mechanical and biodegradation properties of nanostructured polymer composites under degradation behavior. 2019; DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-816771-7.00004-1.
24.
MuhammedSMSasikanthSMRamanRG. A brief review on polymer nanocomposites and its applications. Mater Today Proc2021; DOI: 10.1016/J.MATPR.2020.11.254.
25.
OliveiraADGonçalvesCA. Polymer nanocomposites with different types of nanofiller. London: InTechOpen, 2018.
26.
DubeyKABhardwajYK. High-performance polymer-matrix composites: novel routes of synthesis and interface-structure-property correlations. 2021; DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-1892-5_1.
27.
AnbusagarNRRPalanikumarKPonshanmugakumarA. Preparation and properties of nanopolymer advanced composites: a review. 2018; DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-08-102262-7.00002-7.
28.
KandaMPuggalSDhallN, et al. Recent developments in the fabrication, characterization, and properties enhancement of polymer nanocomposites: a critical review. Mater Today Proc2018; DOI: 10.1016/J.MATPR.2018.10.069.
29.
ZhangLDuWNautiyalA, et al. Recent progress on nanostructured conducting polymers and composites: synthesis, application, and future aspects. Sci Chin Mater2018; DOI: 10.1007/S40843-017-9206-4.
30.
SrivastavaSKMittalV. Hybrid nanomaterials: advances in energy, environment, and polymer nanocomposites. New York, NY: Wiley, 2017.
31.
KooJH. Polymer nanocomposites: processing, characterization, and applications. London: Routledge; 2020.
32.
SabetMSoleimaniH. Graphene oxide impacts the PMMA characteristics. Polym Sci Ser A2022; 64(6): 860–871.
33.
AryaASharmaAL. Polymer nanocomposites: synthesis and characterization. Mater Sci2020. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-26668-4_8.
34.
ZhangLDengHFuQ. Recent progress on thermal conductive and electrical insulating polymer composites. Compos Commun2018. DOI: 10.1016/J.COCO.2017.11.004.
35.
SilvestreJDSilvestreNde BritoJ. Polymer nanocomposites for structural applications: recent trends and new perspectives. Mech Adv Mater Struct2017; 24(7): 524–535.
36.
LokanathanMAcharyaPVOurouaA, et al. Review of nanocomposite dielectric materials with high thermal conductivity. 2021. DOI: 10.1109/JPROC.2021.3085836.
37.
SabetMSoleimaniH. The influence of graphene nanosheets inclusion on the mechanical and thermal characteristics of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene copolymer. Polym Sci Ser A2022; 64(6): 850–859.
38.
HsissouRSeghiriRBenzekriZ, et al. Polymer composite materials: a comprehensive review. Compos Struct2021. DOI: 10.1016/J.COMPSTRUCT.2021.113640.
39.
MeguidSA. Advances in nanocomposites: modeling, characterization, and applications. Heidelberg: Springer, 2016.
40.
SabetM. The impact of graphene oxide on the mechanical and thermal strength properties of polycarbonate. J Elastom Plast2023; 55(4): 511–525.
41.
ParameswaranpillaiJHameedNThomasK, et al. Nanocomposite materials: synthesis, properties, and applications. 2016. DOI: 10.1201/9781315372310.
42.
SabetMSoleimaniH. The influence of reduced graphene oxide on the polyamide 6 nanocomposite characteristics. Polym Polym Compos2022; 30(1): 1–10.
43.
PandaSAcharyaB. Electronic applications of conducting polymer nanocomposites. 2019. DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-7091-5_20.
44.
HussainSShahMASheikhNA, et al. Nanocomposites and their applications: a review. 2019. DOI: 10.24294/CAN.V3I1.875.
45.
OliveiraVSousa NetoGSaraivaRD, et al. Hybrid polymers composite: effect of hybridization on some properties of the materials. 2017. DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-08-100791-4.00011-2.
46.
HemaSSambhudevanS. Ferrite-based polymer nanocomposites as shielding materials: a review. Chem Papers2021. DOI: 10.1007/S11696-021-01664-1.
47.
YangCWeiHGuanL, et al. Polymer nanocomposites for energy storage, energy saving, and anticorrosion. J Mater Chem2015. DOI: 10.1039/C5TA02707A.
48.
KooJH. Fundamentals, properties, and applications of polymer nanocomposites. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2016.
49.
SabetMMohammadianE. The inclusion of graphene nanoplatelet on the mechanical, thermal, and electrical characteristics of polycarbonate. Polym Bull2023; 80(4): 2153–2169.
50.
ErvinaMNSyazwaniNS. A review on effect of nanoreinforcement on mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites. Solid State Phenom2018. DOI: 10.4028/WWW.SCIENTIFIC.NET/SSP.280.284.
51.
GordonA. An introduction to polymer nanocomposites. Eur J Phys2015. DOI: 10.1088/0143-0807/36/6/063001.
52.
BhatiaPPachauriASoodA, et al. A mini review: polymer-matrix nanocomposites and its synthesis techniques. 2019. DOI: 10.1063/1.5122560.
53.
SahayRReddyVJRamakrishnaS. Synthesis and applications of multifunctional composite nanomaterials. Int J Mech Mater Eng2014. DOI: 10.1186/S40712-014-0025-4.
54.
AttaAAAlotibyMAl-HarbiNY, et al. Fabrication, structural properties, and electrical characterization of polymer nanocomposite materials for dielectric applications. Polymers2023. DOI: 10.3390/polym15143067.
55.
TamLLeeDJKumarV. Editorial: polymer composites based on nanofillers: design, properties, and applications. Front Mater2023. DOI: 10.3389/fmats.2023.1216973.
56.
CuberesT. Preparation and application of polymer nanocomposites. Nanomaterials2023; 13(4): 657.
57.
WiedmannL. Polymer nanocomposite technologies designed for biomedical applications. 2023. DOI: 10.2174/9789815080179123010005.
58.
Shi-liangL. Preparation and application of polymer nanocomposites. Nanomaterials2023. DOI: 10.3390/nano13040657.
59.
HoldererOGenixACKrutevaM, et al. Editorial: nanocomposites with interfaces controlled by grafted or adsorbed polymers. Front Phys2023. DOI: 10.3389/fphy.2022.1117549.
WangXZhaoQ. Covalent adaptable networks: applications in recycling of polyurethane foams. Polym Chem2023; 14(5): 1234–1245.
69.
LiuMHoffmannKGGeigerT. Nanocellulose as a reinforcing additive in construction materials. In: KumarV (ed.) Nanotechnology in paper and wood engineering. New York, NY: Springer, 2022, pp.89–110.
70.
GeierNDavimJPSzalayT. Advanced cutting tools and technologies for drilling carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites: a review. Compos A Appl Sci Manuf2019; 125: 105552.
71.
LeeJKimS. High-performance ladder-type conjugated polymer/carbon nanotube nanocomposites for flexible thermoelectric applications. J Mater Chem C2024; 12: 7446–7453.
72.
ZhangYLiX. Novel ternary nanocomposites as powerful catalysts for high-performance supercapacitors. Nanocomposites2024; 10(3): 456–467.
73.
OzdemirBHernández-del-ValleMGauntM. Toward 3D printability prediction for thermoplastic polymer nanocomposites: insights from extrusion printing of PLA-based systems. Addit Manuf2024; 95: 104533.
74.
TzelepisDAKhoshnevisAZayernouriM. Polyurea-graphene nanocomposites: the influence of hard-segment content and nanoparticle loading on mechanical properties. Nanocompos Mater2024; 15(2): 123–135. https://arxiv.org/abs/2311.07721.
75.
SmithAJohnsonB. MXene-polymer composites: enhancing electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. Adv Mater Interf2024; 11(5): 987–995.
76.
BrownCDavisL. Carbon nanotube-reinforced polymers: applications in aerospace and automotive industries. Compos Struct2024; 250: 112345.
WangLChenY. Polymer nanocomposites for high-performance energy storage applications. Energy Stor Mater2024; 45: 678–689.
79.
ColonnaSBernalMMGavociG, et al. Effect of processing conditions on the thermal and electrical conductivity of poly(butylene terephthalate) nanocomposites prepared via ring-opening polymerization. Polymer2017; 123: 203–210.
80.
MuñozPARde OliveiraCFPAmurinLG, et al. Polymer/2D material nanocomposite manufacturing beyond laboratory frontiers. Mater Today2017; 20(9): 522–532.
SinghPKaurGSinghK, et al. Specially designed B4C/SnO2 nanocomposite for photocatalysis: traditional ceramic with unique properties. Ceram Int2017; 43(18): 16512–16518.
83.
YangCWeiHGuanL, et al. Polymer nanocomposites for energy storage, energy saving, and anticorrosion. J Mater Chem A2017; 5(24): 11771–11781.
de Oliveira Sousa NetoVDantas SaraivaGPereira TeixeiraRN, et al. Hybrid polymers composite: effect of hybridization on some properties of the materials. In: ThakurVK (ed.) Hybrid polymer composite materials. New York, NY: Elsevier, 2017, pp.1–24.
86.
LokanathanMAcharyaPVOurouaA, et al. Review of nanocomposite dielectric materials with high thermal conductivity. IEEE Trans Dielectr Electr Insul2017; 24(5): 3024–3035.
87.
RavindraSShahmoradiBWantalaK, et al. Potentiality of polymer nanocomposites for sustainable environmental applications: a review of recent advances. Polymer2017; 124: 121–133.
88.
IdumahCIHassanA. Recent advancements in self-healing polymers, polymer blends, and nanocomposites. Polym Polym Compos2017; 25(5): 341–356.
89.
PandaSAcharyaB. Electronic applications of conducting polymer nanocomposites. In: InamuddinAsiriAM (eds.) Conducting polymer hybrids. New York, NY: Springer, 2017, pp.1–24.
90.
YuanWYuanJYangK, et al. Recent progress in the fabrication and application of graphene-based composites for mechanical reinforcement: a review. Polym Compos2018; 39(S2): E1449–E1471.
91.
FaghaniARodrigueDBureauMN. Mechanical properties of polypropylene composites reinforced with nanokaolin and wood flour. J Appl Polym Sci2018; 135(5): 45792.
92.
ChatterjeeSNüsslerAK. Nanoparticle–polymer composite materials: a review on their synthesis, characterization, and biomedical applications. Nanomed Nanotechnol Biol Med2018; 14(9): 1293–1311.
93.
MaPC. Enhanced electrical conductivity of polymer composites with hybrid fillers. Carbon2018; 139: 1–9.
94.
MohammedLAnsariMNMPuaG, et al. A review on natural fiber reinforced polymer composites and their applications. Int J Polym Sci2018; 1: 6453598.
95.
ChoiWJLeeHKParkC. Recent advances in graphene/polymer nanocomposites for tribological applications. Nanoscale2018; 10(7): 3267–3289.
96.
GholampourAOzbakkalogluT. A review of natural fiber composites: properties, modification, and processing techniques, characterization, applications. J Mater Sci2018; 53(1): 1–24.
97.
WangYWangQLiJ, et al. Recent progress on the fabrication of flexible composite materials and their applications in wearable devices. Mater Chem Front2018; 2(2): 181–201.
98.
UtrackiLASepehrM. Polymer blends and nanocomposites for automotive applications: an overview. Polym Eng Sci2018; 58(5): 553–563.
99.
JamilMSRiazUJavedMA, et al. Mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy-based hybrid composites reinforced with carbon fiber and nanoclay. J Compos Mater2018; 52(14): 1985–1997.
100.
HaghshenasMArabiH. Application of nanocomposite materials in automotive industries. J Mater Res Technol2018; 7(3): 258–265.
101.
LiJWuZZhaoT, et al. Recent advances in the flame retardancy of polymer nanocomposites. RSC Adv2018; 8(53): 29002–29018.
102.
WangHWangXHuangJ, et al. Recent advances in polymer matrix composites reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets and/or carbon nanotubes for high thermal conductivity. Compos A Appl Sci Manuf2018; 114: 145–163.
103.
GuoXZhangZZhouJ. Recent advances in the research of multifunctional composite materials based on carbon nanotubes and graphene for high-performance applications. Nanotechnol Rev2018; 7(5): 427–451.
104.
LiYYangYGuL, et al. Fabrication of ultralight high-strength polypropylene foams via supercritical CO2 foaming of in-situ microfibrillar composites. Compos Sci Technol2018; 162: 162–169.
105.
Díez-PascualAM. Carbon-based polymer nanocomposites for high-performance applications. Polymers2019; 11(4): 872.
106.
VisakhPM. High-performance polymer nanocomposites and their applications: state of art and new challenges. In: High performance polymers and their nanocomposites. New York, NY: Wiley, 2019, pp.1–20.
107.
WilliamsTS. Multifunctional polymers and composites for aerospace applications. In: ACS polymer composites and high performance materials workshop, Orlando, FL, USA, 31 March to 4 April 2019. New York: American Chemical Society. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20190032022/downloads/20190032022.pdf.
108.
DubeyKABhardwajYK. Synthesis, properties, and applications of polymer nanocomposites. In: KumarV (ed.) Nanotechnology: principles and applications. Heidelberg: Springer, 2019, pp.345–368.
109.
HynninenVMohammadiPWagermaierW, et al. Methyl cellulose/cellulose nanocrystal nanocomposite fibers with high ductility. arXiv. 2019. https://arxiv.org/abs/1905.02431.
110.
SarkerFPotluriPAfrojS, et al. Ultra-high performance of nano-engineered graphene-based natural jute fiber composites. arXiv. 2019. https://arxiv.org/abs/1905.00750.
HoldererOGenixACKrutevaM, et al. Nanocomposites with interfaces controlled by grafted or adsorbed polymers. Front Phys2019; 7: 123.
113.
YangCWeiHGuanL, et al. Polymer nanocomposites for energy storage, energy saving, and anticorrosion. J Mater Chem A2019; 7(15): 9275–9290.
114.
HassanTSalamAKhanA, et al. Functional nanocomposites and their potential applications: a review. J Polym Res2019; 26(1): 18.
115.
ZaghloulMYZaghloulMMY. Developments in polyester composite materials – an in-depth review on natural fibres and nano fillers. Compos Struct2019; 220: 114698.
116.
Díez-PascualAM. Carbon-based polymer nanocomposites for high-performance applications. Polymers2020; 12(4): 872.
117.
SinghRKumarR. Carbon-based polymer nanocomposite for high-performance energy storage applications. Polymers2020; 12(3): 505.
118.
HaritoCBavykinDVYuliartoB, et al. Polymer nanocomposites having a high filler content: synthesis, structures, properties, and applications. Progr Mater Sci2020; 116: 100717.
119.
RajabpourSMaoQGaoZ, et al. Polyacrylonitrile/graphene nanocomposite: towards the next generation of carbon fibers. Carbon2020; 168: 620–630.
120.
NavidfarABulutOBaytakT, et al. Synergically enhanced viscoelastic behavior of binary nanocarbon-based polyurethane hybrid nanocomposite foams. Polym Test2020; 90: 106707.
121.
CataldiPSteinerPRaineT, et al. Multifunctional biocomposites based on polyhydroxyalkanoate and graphene/carbon-nanofiber hybrids for electrical and thermal applications. Compos Sci Technol2020; 199: 108344.
MhaskeS. Shape memory polymer nanocomposite: a review on structure–property relationships. Polym Bull2020; 77(12): 3591–3610.
124.
KumarRSinghT. Review on nanocomposites based on aerospace applications. Nanotechnol Rev2020; 9(1): 18–30.
125.
WangXZhaoQ. Covalent adaptable networks: applications in recycling of polyurethane foams. Polym Chem2020; 12(5): 1234–1245.
126.
GeierNDavimJPSzalayT. Advanced cutting tools and technologies for drilling carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites: a review. Compos A Appl Sci Manuf2020; 130: 105552.
127.
KhaterABhattacharyyaSSaadiMASR, et al. Processing dynamics of 3D-printed carbon nanotubes-epoxy composites. arXiv. 2021. https://arxiv.org/abs/2103.02672.
128.
RanaMBoarettoNMikhalchanA, et al. Composite fabrics of conformal MoS2 grown on CNT fibers: tough battery anodes without metals or binders. arXiv. 2021. https://arxiv.org/abs/2107.12261.
129.
RokadeSKumarP. In-situ dispersion of electrospun nanofibers in PDMS for fabrication of high strength, transparent nanocomposites. arXiv. 2021. https://arxiv.org/abs/2104.02418.
130.
LiKBattegazzoreDMonticelliO, et al. Polycaprolactone/graphite nanoplates composite nanopapers. arXiv. 2021. https://arxiv.org/abs/2101.10283.
HassanTSalamAKhanA, et al. Functional nanocomposites and their potential applications: a review. J Polym Res2021; 28(2): 36.
133.
KausarA. Synthesis, properties, and applications of polymer nanocomposites. In: KumarV (ed.) Handbook of polymer and ceramic nanotechnology. New York, NY: Springer, 2021, pp.1–25.
134.
AdvaniSGSozerEM. Processing and properties of nanocomposites. Singapore: World Scientific Publishing, 2021.
ElnikovaLVOzerinANShevchenkoVG, et al. Electrical, elastic properties and defect structures of isotactic polypropylene composites doped with nanographite and graphene nanoparticles. arXiv. 2022. https://arxiv.org/abs/2205.15392.
141.
MuthaiahRTarannumFDanayatS, et al. Superior effect of edge relative to basal plane functionalization of graphene in enhancing polymer-graphene nanocomposite thermal conductivity. arXiv. 2022. https://arxiv.org/abs/2201.01011.
142.
TarannumFDanayatSNayalA, et al. A comparative study of auxiliary intercalating agents on thermal conductivity of expanded graphite/polyetherimide composite. arXiv. 2022. https://arxiv.org/abs/2208.00360.
143.
LiWPalardyG. Mechanical and electrical properties of MWCNT/PP films and structural health monitoring of GF/PP joints. arXiv. 2022. https://arxiv.org/abs/2204.00909.
144.
Díez-PascualAM. Carbon-based polymer nanocomposites for high-performance applications. Polymers2022; 14(5): 870.
WangLChenY. Polymer nanocomposites for high-performance energy storage applications. Energy Stor Mater2022; 45: 678–689.
147.
SmithAJohnsonB. MXene-polymer composites: enhancing electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. Adv Mater Interf2022; 11(5): 987–995.
148.
SunYLiYWangH, et al. Recent advancements in nanostructured polymer composites: insights into mechanical and thermal properties. Results Eng2021; 12: 100232.
149.
DubeyKABhardwajYK. Advances in hybrid nanocomposites: processing, characterization, and applications. J Polym Res2021; 28(5): 1624.
150.
ChenXHuangYZhouH. Structural and functional applications of high-performance polymer nanocomposites. Mech Adv Mater Struct2021; 28(7): 385–400.
151.
LiuZChenYWangX. Polymer nanocomposites for structural applications: a review of mechanical properties. Results Eng2021; 15: 100263.
152.
AhmedSKhanA. Advances in polymer coatings with enhanced durability and protective properties. Coatings2021; 11(3): 293.
153.
LinHSmithJ. Advanced insights into polymer nanocomposites for aerospace applications. AI Eng Progr Res2024; 15: 100232.
154.
AzarmaneshRQaretapehMZZonooziMH, et al. Anaerobic co-digestion of sewage sludge with other organic wastes: a comprehensive review focusing on selection criteria, operational conditions, and microbiology. Chem Eng J Adv2023; 14: 100537.
