Structural nanocomposites for aerospace applications

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have captured the imagination of the research community because of their many superior properties. In the nearly 25 years since their novelty was recognized, however, progress toward their utility as superlightweight structural materials, especially for aerospace applications, has been disappointing. Recent advancements have revived some of the anticipation for the touted systems payoffs. The purpose of this article is to examine how close CNTs have come to fulfilling expectations for lightweight aerospace structures in the two decades since the initial report stimulated intense interest in this material. This article also proposes areas of study to bridge knowledge gaps that can realize the potential for these CNT composites to be part of the lightweight structures technology suite for aerospace use.