Nanocarbon materials including carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) are ideal reinforcements of high-performance aluminum matrix composites

due to their ultra-high strength and modulus

excellent thermal and electrical conductivities. However

nanocarbons have poor wettability with aluminum matrix. Meanwhile

the reaction of nanocarbon/aluminum interface at high temperatures causes formation of brittle Al

4

C

3

and thereby

damaging the nanocarbon reinforcements. Both of the abovementioned scenarios not only limit the strengthening effect of the reinforcements

but also deteriorate the composite toughness. Therefore

the regulations on interface reaction and bonding

and the synergistic impr

ovements in the strength and toughness are key problems for the research of nanocarbon/aluminum composites. Based on the bonding mechanisms of nanocarbon/aluminum interface

the regulating study and effects of nanocarbon/aluminum interface were reviewed from the perspectives of surface modification of nanocarbon and optimization of composite process. Subsequently

the studies on multi-dimensional network strengthening of CNT and GNP

and their hybrid strengthening with ceramic particles were summarized. It was proposed that the strength and toughness of the composites would be further improved by designing the reinforcing network consisted of CNT

GNP

and ceramic particles

according to their different structures and strengthening effects.