ZnO/Ni₃ZnC_0.7/x% CNT (x = 0, 2, 5, 10) urchin-like structures have been synthesized using a facile method based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and applied as the electromagnetic absorber. The results of the experiments demonstrate that the content of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) has a great influence on the absorbing performance of the hybrid material. Conduction loss, interfacial polarization and ferromagnetic resonance all contribute to the electromagnetic absorption. The urchin-like ZnO/Ni₃ZnC_0.7/5% CNT composite presents excellent absorbing properties. When the filler loading of ZnO/Ni₃ZnC_0.7/5% CNT composite in paraffin matrix is only 10 wt.%, a minimum reflection loss of −33.2 dB is achieved at a layer thickness of 4.9 mm.

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the corrosion-inhibition behavior of deposited carbon and some iron-oxide hybrid coatings which derived from the in situ deposition method on the surface of Fe foil. Various contents of precursor methane gas were deposited over a mild iron foil substrate and formed different composites. It was found that the incorporation of C into the Fe matrix led to a thin film on the surface of the matrix and produced an anti-corrosion effect. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization and potentiometric tests were used to compare the corrosion behaviors of the films in air-saturated 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. According to the results, Fe-oxide- and C-composite-coated iron foil has a much higher corrosion resistance than the raw blank sample without the addition of C. Generally, the corrosion charge transfer resistance of one kind of iron oxide coated with carbon layers of several nanometers was enhanced up to 28,379 times (R_ct changes from 1487 Ω cm² to 4.22 × 10⁷ Ω cm²), which is the biggest improvement so far. The maximum protection efficiency was obtained for the in situ grown coating prepared by 10 and 15 sccm CH₄ precursor gas (eta = 100%). In conclusion, an iron oxide and carbon composite was found to be a great candidate for applications in the corrosion-resistance area.

The rapid advancement of modern infrastructure and construction industries demands cementitious materials with superior mechanical performance, durability, and sustainability, surpassing the limitations of conventional concrete. To address these challenges, carbon-based nanomaterials—including carbon nanofibers (CNFs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene—have gained significant attention as next-generation reinforcement agents due to their exceptional strength, high aspect ratio, and unique interfacial properties. This review presents a critical analysis of the latest technological developments in carbon-enhanced cement and concrete composites, focusing on their role in achieving high-performance construction materials, as there is a shortage of reviews of cement concretes based on carbon nanoadditives. We systematically explore the underlying mechanisms, processing techniques, and structure–property relationships governing carbon-modified cementitious systems. First, we discuss advanced synthesis methods and dispersion strategies for carbon nanomaterials to ensure uniform reinforcement within the cement matrix. Subsequently, we analyze the mechanical enhancement mechanisms, including crack bridging, nucleation seeding, and interfacial bonding, supported by experimental and computational studies. Despite notable progress, challenges such as long-term durability, cost-effectiveness, and large-scale processing remain key barriers to practical implementation. Finally, we outline emerging trends, including multifunctional smart composites and sustainable hybrid systems, to guide future research toward scalable and eco-friendly solutions. By integrating fundamental insights with technological advancements, this review not only advances the understanding of carbon-reinforced cement composites but also provides strategic recommendations for their optimization and industrial adoption in next-generation construction.

Multiple kinds of layered materials have acquired much attention in the field of corrosion inhibition due to their distinctive two-dimensional (2D) structure.