## 1 Introduction
### Methods for Dispersing Carbon Nanotubes: Disadvantages and Advantages  
The combination of nanoparticles and organic molecules enables the development of materials with unique properties. However, the efficiency of nanoparticle integration depends not only on their type and dosage but also on the methods used for their dispersion and uniform distribution within the matrix. A critical factor in this process is ensuring the effective dispersion of CNTs and the stability of the resulting suspension. Various techniques have been developed for dispersing CNTs in bitumen binders, including mechanical stirring, ultrasonic dispersion, chemical surface modification, and the use of surfactants (SAs) [31; 32; 33; 34]. Despite their benefits, these methods have notable limitations. Mechanical stirring, while simple and widely used, often fails to ensure uniform distribution of CNTs in viscous media like bitumen, especially at higher concentrations. Aggregates tend to persist, weakening the composite's mechanical properties. Additionally,prolonged or high-speed stirring can damage CNT structures, reducing their reinforcing potential [35; 36]. Chemical functionalization improves CNT compatibility with the matrix by attaching functional groups (e.g., carboxyl or amino groups). However, this process can alter the electronic and mechanical properties of CNTs. For instance, oxidative functionalization may damage the hexagonal carbon structure, reducing strength and conductivity. Over time, functionalized CNTs may lose their modifications in reactive environments like bitumen, leading to reaggregation and reduced effectiveness [37; 38]. Surfactants (SAs) improve CNT dispersion by reducing interfacial tension, but their effectiveness diminishes at high temperatures (>120 \({}^{\circ}\)C) typical of bitumen modification. At such temperatures, SAs may degrade or lose their properties, failing to maintain stable CNT dispersion. Moreover, enhanced dispersion does not always translate to improved mechanical or thermal properties of the composite [39; 40]. Given these limitations, ultrasonic dispersion stands out as a promising method, as highlighted in several studies [41; 42; 43; 44]. However, challenges remain for industrial scaling. [PERSON] et al. [45] noted gaps in research, particularly regarding temperature effects during ultrasonic treatment. CNTs' high thermal conductivity [46; 47] leads to temperature increases during dispersion, but studies on how this impacts CNT behavior in such media are lacking. Another critical factor is the choice of a compatible medium. [PERSON] et al. [48] reviewed dispersion methods, identifying several compatible organic solvents such as N-methyl pyrrolidone, DMF, ethanol, and others. Additionally, [PERSON] and [PERSON] [42] examined CNT behavior in hydrocarbon media, finding a relationship between the molecular weight of plasticizers and the dispersion capacity of the medium, as predicted by the Traxler coefficient. However, these studies lack data on the long-term stability of CNT suspensions [42; 43; 44; 45; 46; 47; 48]. Addressing these gaps--particularly the effects of temperature during ultrasonic dispersion and the stability of CNT suspensions--remains essential for advancing the industrial application of CNT-modified bitumen systems. Analyzing international research experience, it can be concluded that, despite certain difficulties in designing and producing new nanomodified materials for road construction with a unique set of properties, this field of construction materials science is promising but insufficiently studied. For example, there is no fundamental information on (models of) thermal and surface phenomena during the dispersion of carbon nanotubes in hydrocarbon plasticizers, which are often required in the technology of preparing polymer-modified binders.