Polystyrene-Carbon Nanotube Composites: Interaction Mechanisms, Preparation Methods, Structure, and Rheological Properties – a Review

This review focuses on the rheological behaviour of polystyrene (PS) composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), providing an in-depth analysis of how CNT incorporation affects the viscosity, elasticity, and flow properties of these materials. The review covers fundamental aspects of PS and CNT structures, emphasizing their influence on the composite’s rheological properties. Key interaction mechanisms, including Van der Waals forces and covalent bonding, are discussed for their role in determining material behaviour. Various preparation methods, such as melt mixing, solution mixing, and in-situ polymerization, are evaluated based on their impact on CNT dispersion and rheological performance. The study examines critical rheological parameters such as relative and complex viscosity, shear thinning, and elasticity, supported by theoretical models and experimental findings. The review also identifies major challenges, such as achieving uniform CNT dispersion and addressing processing limitations, while offering insights into future research directions aimed at improving the rheological performance and scalability of PS/CNT composites for advanced applications.