Carbon nanotubes and nanofibers – reinforcement to carbon fiber composites - synthesis, characterizations and applications: A review

Carbon fiber composites are experiencing growing utilization in engineering applications due to their exceptional strength and stiffness properties. Nevertheless, there are still certain limitations in their mechanical and physical properties of carbon fiber composites that need to be addressed to meet the demands of modern scenarios in aerospace, automobile, energy, marine, civil construction, medicine, naval and military applications. A critical study was conducted to investigate various carbon-based nanotubes (CNTs) aimed at enhancing the mechanical and physical properties of carbon fiber composites. This study comprehensively describes the synthesis of CNTs using diverse methods, including in-depth discussions on their processing techniques, characterization, and applications in different fields. Down the stream the preparation of buckypaper and different preparation techniques of CNT-based buckypaper their potential outputs along with its advantages and limitations are discussed. It also highlights the challenges associated with the methods employed, evaluates their suitability, and outlines future avenues for development in the synthesis of CNTs, emphasizing the development of sustainable and scalable synthesis methods, such as Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) and Microfluidic synthesis by integrating 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies for the fabrication of carbon fiber composites.