Present Status and Key Challenges of Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Polyolefins: A Review on Nanocomposites Manufacturing and Performance Issues

Carbon nanotube reinforcement is a key emerging technology to simultaneously impart enhanced mechanical properties while adding multifunctional characteristics to polymer materials and systems. The promise of extraordinary improvement in-end use properties of polyolefin/carbon nanotube hybrid systems has spurred great interest and intensive activity in academics and industries. This review offers a comprehensive discussion of the preparation, compounding, properties and applications of such nanocomposites. The processing, dispersion and orientation of nanotubes, as well as the characterisation of physical and mechanical properties of carbon nanotube filled polyolefins are discussed. In particular the scientific principles and mechanisms in relation to the methods of manufacturing are highlighted, with an outlook towards commercial applications.