Advancements in 1D Nanostructure-Enhanced Carbon/carbon Composites for Aerospace Structures

The ongoing development of carbon composites for aerospace applications has resulted in significant progress within the industry. However, despite the promising results observed in controlled environments, the application of these materials to extensive, practical situations, such as aerospace engineering, presents significant challenges. The primary difficulties primarily revolve around the elevated expenses involved in the production of carbon composites, thereby posing a financial concern for their widespread incorporation into aerospace endeavors. Moreover, the realization of highly complex aerospace structures that possess both expansive dimensions and intricate designs, while consistently achieving optimal performance, remains an ongoing challenge that has not been fully overcome. Considerable attempts have been undertaken to improve the thermal stability and mechanical characteristics of these composites by integrating nanostructures and various polymer matrices. However, it is crucial to attain a homogeneous dispersion of these nano-additives and comprehend their mutually beneficial interaction with the matrix material. The significance of maintaining the quality and uniformity of composite materials is emphasized by the significant previous studies, particularly in applications such as ultrasonic welding, microwave absorption, and structural integrity when subjected to different stressors. Future research should prioritize the exploration of innovative manufacturing techniques, which involve the utilization of automated and highly accurate fabrication tools. These endeavors have the potential to facilitate the widespread and economically feasible utilization of carbon composites in the field of aerospace engineering.