In the present work, a methodology has been identified to produce nanostructured carbon particles that act as effective reinforcements. The process is conducted in the solid state at close to ambient conditions. The carbon nanostructures produced under this discovery are nanostructured and are synthesized by mechanical means at room temperatures. The benefit of this processing methodology is that those carbon nanostructures behave as effective reinforcements and had demonstrated its effectiveness in a wide variety of matrices including, but not limited to: ceramic, metallic, polymeric (organic and inorganic), as well as bio-polymers. The reinforcements have been introduced in those matrices at room at elevated temperatures. The raw material is carbon soot that is a byproduct and hence abundant and cheaper than pristine carbon alternatives (e.g. nanotubes, graphene).