Review and perspective on the calculations of mechanical and functional properties of low-dimensional nanocomposites

Over the past decade, we have witnessed a stream of research activities on the mechanical and functional properties of graphene- and carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites. In this paper, we outline some of the efforts the present authors have participated along the way. Closely related contributions from the other authors are also introduced. The focus here is on the development of homogenization models for the effective properties of these low-dimensional nanocomposites. A key issue involved is the interface effects which are responsible for many extraordinary properties of the nanocomposites. To pave the way for the presentation of various homogenization models, we first give a general introduction to various categories of interface effects for both mechanical and functional properties. Then, the mechanical properties, involving the complex viscoelastic characteristics and coupled elastoplastic-damage processes, and the functional properties, involving electrical conductivity, dielectric permittivity, thermal conductivity, electromagnetic interference shielding and energy storage, are presented. We conclude with some perspectives on topics that deserve closer investigation in the near future.