Characterization and Application of Nanomaterials (2019) Volume 2 doi:10.24294/can.v2i1.875 1 Nano-Composites and Their Applications: A Review Sajad Hussain Din 1* , M. A. Shah 2 , N. A. Sheikh 1 , M. Mursaleen Butt 1 1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Srinagar 190006, India 2 P.G Department of Physics, Special Center for Nanosciences, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar (J&K), India ABSTRACT Nanocomposites are high performance materials which reveal rare properties. Nanocomposites have an estimated annual growth rate of 25% and fastest demand to be in engineering plastics and elastomers. Their prospective is so prominent that they are valuable in numerous areas ranging from packaging to biomedical applications. In this review the various types of matrix nanocomposites are discussed highlighting the need for these materials, their processing approaches and some recent results on structure, properties and potential applications. Perspectives including need for such future materials and other interesting applications. Being environmentally friendly, applications of nanocomposites propose new technology and business opportunities for several sectors of the aerospace, automotive, electronics and biotechnology industries. Keywords: Nanocomposites; Ceramic Matrix Nanocomposites; Metal Matrix Nanocomposites 1. Introduction Nanocomposites are composites in which at least one of the phases demonstrates dimensions in the nanometre range [1,2] . The word nanotechnology is novel but the existence of functional devices and structures of nanometer dimensions is premitive. In the fourth century Roman glassmakers were formulating glasses encompassing nanosized metals. Nanocomposite materials have materialized as appropriate substitutes to incredulous restrictions of microcomposites. They are also testified to be the resources of 21st century in the view of having design rareness and property groupings that are not found in conventional composites [3-5] . Nevertheless, they pose preparation challenges associated to the regulator of basic arrangement and stoichiometry in the nanocluster phase. Nanocomposites are high performance materials demonstrating rare property arrangements [6-8] . Their potential is so conspicuous that they are beneficial in numerous areas ranging from packaging to biomedical applications. In this paper the various types of matrix nanocomposites are presented underlining the need for these materials. Their processing methods, structure, properties and potential applications are discussed [9,10] . Nanocomposites suggest rare properties that ascend from their small size, large surface area, and the relations of phases at their interfaces. They are striking for their prospective to develop performance of drugs, catalysts, biomaterials and other high value added materials. It has been reported that deviations in particle properties can be observed when the particle size is less than a particular level, called ‘the critical size’ [11,12] . As dimensions reach the nanometre level, interactions at phase interfaces become mostly enhanced. Additionally, unearthing of carbon nanotubes and their successive use to formulate composites demonstrating some of the unique carbon nanotubes related mechanical, thermal and electrical properties added a new and fascinating dimension to this area. Currently, nanocomposites offer new technology and business opportunities for all zones of industry, in addition to being environmentally friendly [13-15] . 2. Prospects of nano-composites Nanocomposites offer an exceptionally extensive range of prospective applications from electronics, optical communications and biological systems to new materials. Many possible applications have been explored and manydevices and systems have been considered. More potential applications and new devices Copyright © 2019 Sajad Hussain Din et al. doi: 10.24294/can.v2i1.875 EnPress Publisher LLC.This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/4.0/