Table 4.

Various production routes for polymer nanocomposites.

entry	process	description	advantages	disadvantages	ref.
1	solution mixing	Filler is first dispersed in a solvent and then in a polymer followed by casting or precipitation.	equipment is economical; processing is simple; most common method	solvent traces are detrimental; inapplicable to insoluble polymers	[40]
2	melt blending	Filler is dispersed in a polymer at high temperature by applying high shear forces.	does not involve any solvent; suitable for thermoplastic polymers	suitable only for low filler content	[53]
3	in situ polymerization	Filler is mixed with monomers, which are then subjected to addition or condensation polymerization.	results in covalent bonding improving interfacial interactions; grafting of polymer macromolecule is possible on nanotube walls; suitable for high filler loading, for unstable and insoluble polymers, and for any MLG/CNT–polymer combination	requires reaction chamber for polymerization reactions, outgassing is required	[40]
4	latex technology	Filler can be dispersed in polymers that are either produced by emulsion polymerization or can be brought in the form of emulsion. The filler is added after polymerization and not in the monomers.	easy, viscous polymers can be used; water is used as solvent making the process cost effective and environmently friendly	only applicable to emulsions/latex	[40]
5	solid freeform fabrication (SFF)	SFF covers a family of manufacturing processes in which components are manufactured layer by layer.	alignment of CNT is possible		[35]
6	extrusion freeform fabrication (EFF)	Materials are subjected to extrusion to manufacture a component.	fiber alignment is possible; tensile test specimens can be made; significant improvement in properties; in situ polymerization possible		[35]