Electrospun nanofiber: Emerging reinforcing filler in polymer matrix composite materials

The rapidly developing technique of electrospinning has gained surging research interest since the 1990s due to its capability of yielding continuous fibers with diameters down to the nanometer scale. Despite enormous efforts devoted to explore applications of electrospun nanofibers, such as separation, catalysis, nanoelectronics, sensors, energy conversion/storage, and biomedical utilization, there are limited attempts to employ these nanofibers for reinforcement in polymer composites. Electrospun nanofibers, however, possess comprehensive advantages not typically shared by other nanoscale composite fillers/reinforcing agents, such as continuity, diverse material choice, controlled diameter/structure, possible alignment/assembly, mass production capability and so forth. Therefore electrospun nanofibers have great potential as promising reinforcement fillers for next-generation polymer composites. This is a comprehensive and state-of-the-art review of the latest advances made in development of electrospun nanofiber reinforced polymer composite materials with intention to stimulate interests in both academia and industry.