A nanocomposite including an array of extended length fibers with nanofibers oriented in transverse relation to the extended length fibers. The nanofibers are mechanically interlocked with the extended length fibers using a connecting agent concentrated at contact locations between the extended length fibers and the nanofibers without saturating the composite. The resultant composite of fibers and connecting agent is characterized by significant internal porosity with an internal void volume not occupied by the connecting agent.