Carbon nanotubes as structural material and their application in composites

In the present paper, we will introduce the synthesis and application of carbon nanotubes as filler for nanocomposite materials. Physical and chemical properties such as mechanical strength, thermal and electrical conductivity, chemical stability, density and affinity with the matrix vary a lot among different types of carbon nanotubes. We first will overview the main component of nanocomposite, carbon nanotube and its synthesis and purification, and introduce some of the nanocomposites and its applications that we have taken part in the development. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.