Polymer nanofibers to multifunctional nanocomposite nanofibers—transfiguring corrosion protection and radiation shielding capacities

Abstract

To meet today’s technological demands, nanofibrous materials (especially nanocomposite nanofibers) have been noticed more competent of sustaining anticorrosion, structural integrity, and radiation protection, as compared to traditional polymers or nanocomposites. Along these lines, this innovative review article strategically highlights the scientific merit of multifunctional polymer nanofibers and polymer nanocomposite nanofibers for radiation shielding purposes. Accordingly, distinct sections of this manuscript systematically address fundamentals, corrosion protection, and nuclear/electromagnetic shielding capabilities of nanofibrous materials. In this regard, design, fabrication, physical features, and performance aspects of electrospun nanocomposite nanofibers (reinforced with nanocarbons and inorganic nanoparticles) have been argued. Notably, microstructural continuity, electrical/electrochemical characteristics, percolation features, robustness, barrier effects, and self healing properties of nanocomposite nanofibers revealed technical worth for high end anticorrosion applications. Additionally, electron conductivity, dielectric/magnetic permittivity, mechanical/heat stability, and interfacial compatibility of nanocomposite nanofibers depicted next level radiation shielding competence. Consequently, radiation shielding nanofibrous materials with notable mechanical and corrosion protection characteristics attained utmost importance for futuristic real-world industries (aeronautical engineering, defense, electronics, energy devices). Despite the research progress so far, future industrial deployments of radiation shielding multifunctional nanocomposite nanofibers strongly rely on using sustainable green materials, optimized manufacturing methods/parameters, material reproducibility, degradation/biodegradation, and final life cycle assessments.