Carbon Nano-Onions and Related Multifunctional Hybrids—Radiation Shielding, Tribological and Anticorrosion Potentials

Abstract Over recent decades, carbon nano-onions and related nanomaterials have attained considerable research interests for wide ranging industrial purposes. In view of that, current review article is developed to highpoint three significant engineering characteristics (including radiation defense, friction/wear resistance, and corrosion resistance) of carbon nano-onions and derived multifunctional polymeric and inorganic hybrids. In all these scientifically and industrially promising fields, carbon nano-onion nanoadditives have enhanced the radiation absorption, tribological, and anticorrosion performance of the polymeric and inorganic matrices. Consequently, carbon nano-onions derived nanocomposites have fine interfacial links and percolation networks; thereby leading to efficient electron transfer and electromagnetic absorption or dissipation properties. In the case of antiscratch, antiwear, and antifriction performance, carbon nano-onions have been noted to act as microbearing between the desired metal surfaces. Furthermore, owing to the development of matrix-nanofiller interactions and electron conducting paths, carbon nano-onions and derivative multifunctional hybrids offer notable barrier effects towards the percolating corrosion species. Decisively, carbon nano-onions, modified carbon nano-onions, and derived hybrids depicted technological promise to enhance the electromagnetic, wear, and erosion resistance of space, automotive, defense, civil, medical, and other advanced structural materials. Nevertheless, limited research exertions seen up till now regarding carbon nano-onions nanocomposites in these technical areas and comprehensive future investigations may unfold their industrial potential.