Nanocomposites in Engineering: Where We Have Been and Where We Are Going?

Abstract

Nanocomposites have attracted significant attention in recent decades due to their outstanding mechanical, thermal, and functional properties, enabling advances in advanced engineering applications. This review presents recent progress in nanocomposite materials for engineering products, with emphasis on fabrication methods, material classes, and applications. Widely used fabrication techniques, including sol-gel processing, chemical vapor deposition, and melt blending, are discussed. Different classes of nanocomposites polymer, metal, ceramic-based, and hybrid systems are comparatively evaluated in terms of strength, durability, thermal performance, and manufacturability. The application of nanocomposites in aerospace, automotive, civil engineering, energy, and biomedical fields is reviewed, and the influence of processing strategies on performance and associated challenges is highlighted. Finally, future research directions toward multifunctional, smart nanocomposites and advanced synthesis approaches are outlined, positioning nanocomposites as promising candidates for next-generation engineered products.