The interlaminar mechanical property and microwave absorption performance of carbon nanotube-modified FRP composites

This paper presents recent advances in carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, with a focus on the novel integration of enhanced interlaminar mechanical properties and microwave absorption performance. It provides a systematic comparison of three primary preparation methods-matrix/solution blending, fiber surface growth/grafting, and CNT macro-assembly interleaving-and clarifies their unique effects on CNT dispersion, interfacial bonding, and multifunctional performance. Then it emphasizes the innovative approach of combining structural reinforcement with electromagnetic wave absorption in a single material system, enabling lightweight, high-strength, and broadband-absorbing composites suitable for advanced applications in aerospace and telecommunications. The work also introduces emerging techniques for better CNT alignment and integration, and discusses the influence of CNT content, orientation, and macro-structures. Furthermore, the review identifies current challenges including limited numerical modeling, insufficient multi-loss mechanism studies, and durability concerns, while proposing future directions such as multi-scale simulation, process optimization, and self-healing design. This paper can offer both a comprehensive overview and new insights into the development of high-performance CNT-FRP composites with combined structural and functional capabilities.