Advances in nanomaterials as exceptional fillers to reinforce carbon fiber‐reinforced polymers composites and their emerging applications

Abstract Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites exhibit excellent characteristics such as light weight, high specific strength, specific stiffness, and chemical stability, making them customizable to meet the specific demands of various sectors such as the automotive, aerospace, defense, biomedical, and energy industries. However, the inert surface of carbon fibers (CFs) results in a poor interface compatibility with polymer matrices, leading to numerous interfacial defects and pores in prepared CFRP composites. These drawbacks significantly limit the application of CFRP composites in high‐end fields. The higher surface area and smaller size of nanomaterials provide multiple advantages for high‐performance CFRP composites that enhance the mechanical properties, impact resistance and interface adhesion between the fiber and the matrix. Hence, this review firstly summarizes the interfacial behavior and interface enhancement mechanisms for CFRP composites. Subsequently, we comprehensively review the recent advances in various nanomaterials‐modified CFRP composites, including carbon‐based nanoparticles, silicon‐based nanomaterials and metal nanomaterials, et al. Besides, we also present the applications of CFRP in emerging fields, such as military, aerospace, automotive, sports equipment, and medical, etc. Finally, we also prospected the challenges and future development trends of CFRP composites, aiming to provide new ideas and insights for future research on nanomaterial modifications and promote the development of high‐performance CFRP composites. Highlights The interface reinforced theory of CFRP is comprehensively summarized. Different types of nanoparticles that can be used for reinforcement in CFRP composites and nanomaterials modification methods are reviewed. Application of CFRP composites in various fields is presented. Challenges and future development directions of preparation of high‐performance CFRP composites are proposed.