ABSTRACT
Nanocomposites are hybrid materials that are made by mixtures of inorganic and organic nanoparticles (particles having either one of their dimensions in the range of 1–100 nm) with matrixes of different origins (may be metallic, ceramic or polymer). As nanoparticles possess high surface-to-volume ratio which significantly changes their properties as compared to their macro and micro parts. Very small amount of nanoparticles (only 0.5–5 wt.%) in matrix can change various properties of composite. This results in the enrichment of several properties, i.e., mechanical, thermal and electrical conductivity. In addition, they are also incorporating self-cleaning, anti-corrosion, anti-friction, anti-bacterial and chemical resistance properties in nanocomposites. Thus, in this chapter, our attempt is to abridge the applications of nanocomposites for manufacturing structural components in different disciples such as defence, automobile, aerospace and coating technologies.
