###### Abstract
Since the 1990s, works have been published showing that the introduction of carbon-containing nanostructures into a metal matrix in order to strengthen it can significantly improve the properties of composites and expand the scope of their application [17; 18]. From the analysis of the scientific literature, we can conclude that, at present, the existing methods for the synthesis of structural composites do not allow for achieving a uniform distribution of the dispersed phase in the bulk metal matrix [3; 4; 5; 6]. The lack of a uniform distribution of the dispersed phase prevents the achievement of the maximum effect in the mechanical properties of the resulting structural composite [1; 2; 3; 4; 5]. The review analyzes the current state of research in the field of synthesis of carbon-containing materials, as well as composites with a carbon-containing dispersed phase, and their practical application. The review analyzes the current state of research in the field of synthesis of carbon-containing materials (nanotubes (CNTs), nanofibers (CNFs), graphene), as well as composites with a carbon-containing dispersed phase, and their practical application. With the help of the synthesis methods and models of structure description presented in the review, it is possible to trace the influence of interfacial behavior, the volume fraction of CNTs, and layered structures on the mechanical behavior of metal matrix composites (MMC) in order to understand the mechanisms of hardening and deformation. Carbon-Containing Compounds: Their Synthesis and Application in the Technology of Obtaining Composite Functional and Structural Materials  
To date, various forms of carbon nanostructures are known, including fullerenes, graphene [19; 20], carbon nanofibers, carbon filaments, and CNTs [21; 22; 23; 24], as well as various carbides [6; 7; 8; 9; 10] (Figure 1). It should be noted that due to the unique properties of carbon nanostructures (nanotubes, graphene, etc. ), namely, high strength, superconductivity, capillary, optical, and magnetic properties, they are used as catalysts; absorbents and shields of electromagnetic waves; as anodes in lithium-ion batteries; as fillers or coatings for composites; nanoprobes; sensors; supercapacitors; electron sources for microscopy [10; 23]. Ultrathin films made of single-walled nanotubes can currently become the most suitable basis for electronic sensors. Materials with high tunability and very low microwave loss are currently being sought due to the increasing number of applications requiring such characteristics (mobile phones, remote sensing, global navigation satellite systems, etc.). Recently, technologies have been developed for the use of carbon-containing compounds as fillers in polymer composite materials for structural applications. They are considered ideal reinforcing materials for polymers and metals [24]. It has been established that the addition of 1% nanotubes by mass to polystyrene increases the elasticity modulus and tensile strength of the material by 42% and 25%, respectively. To obtain effective composite materials with improved tribological properties, various nanosized fillers are also successfully used: carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, and nanodiamond particles [9]. For example, it was shown in [19] that the addition of carbon nanotubes and nanoparticles to an epoxy matrix leads to a significant decrease in material wear during tribological tests and also leads to multiple (up to 8 times) decreases in the friction coefficient.