Synergetic Effect of Surface-Functionalized 2D Carbon-Based Polymer Nanocomposite to Enhance the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Lightweight Materials for Electric Vehicles

Two-dimensional carbon-based polymer nanocomposites represent an intriguing category of materials, consistently showing improved mechanical and thermal properties due to synergistic effects compared to their individual components. Research has shown that the performance of carbon-based nanomaterials can be significantly influenced by interface engineering, which involves aspects such as structural design, material synthesis, surface functionalization, and the detailed analysis of well-defined interfaces within 2D carbon structures (such as GNPs, graphene, CNTs, CNFs, etc.) and various non-carbon functionalizing agents (like APTES, dopamine, GPTMS, etc.) have significant potential for enhancing the physical, chemical, and thermal properties. This approach leverages the high surface area, thermal stability, and sustainability of surface-functionalized nanofillers to enhance the mechanical and thermal performance of 2D carbon-based polymer composites for diverse applications in automobile parts (such as body panels and chassis components, battery enclosures, brake components, interior structural parts, etc.). Key challenges include understanding nanoparticle–matrix and filler–filler interfaces, tracking load-transfer mechanisms, and assessing load-carrying capacity, with recent advancements in experimental techniques highlighting their role in reinforcing nanomaterials. A comprehensive review highlighting advancements in this field has been conducted through a systematic evaluation of relevant literature from both academic and industrial perspectives, focusing on lightweight, high-strength, wear-resistant, and low-friction components, as well as noise and vibration reduction of electric vehicles.