## 2 Materials and Methods
### Methods
#### 2.2.3 Dispersed System \"Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes-Hydrocarbon Plasticizer\":  
Compositions and Optimal Preparation Parameters  
In numerous studies previously conducted by the authors [26; 30; 42], an effective application range for multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was established to be between 0.0005% and 0.01%. Therefore, in this study, the following concentrations of MWCNTs will be considered: 5\(\cdot\)10\({}^{-4}\)%, 5\(\cdot\)10\({}^{-3}\)%, and 5\(\cdot\)10\({}^{-2}\)% (for each hydrocarbon plasticizer) above 100% of the mass of the bituminous binder.  
Optimal technological parameters for the preparation of hydrocarbon dispersions with carbon nanotubes for ultrasonic dispersion. To establish the optimal technological parameters for preparing hydrocarbon dispersions with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), exploratory studies were conducted. During these studies, the loss of primary carbon nanomaterials was monitored during the weighing and sample preparation processes. Several technological stages of combining sample components were considered:  
(1) Weighing the entire mass of MWCNTs into a measuring thermal glass and then weighing the entire mass of the hydrocarbon plasticizer.  
(2) Weighing the entire mass of the hydrocarbon plasticizer into the measuring thermal glass and then weighing the entire mass of MWCNTs.  
During sample preparation following these technological stages, certain drawbacks were immediately identified. In the first case, the primary carbon nanomaterial adhered to the surface of the glass measuring container when filled with the hydrocarbon plasticizer. In the second case, before ultrasonic dispersion, preliminary mixing of the MWCNTs was required due to their position on the surface of the hydrocarbon plasticizer caused by its high viscosity. This was completed using a glass rod, resulting in MWCNT losses due to particle adhesion to the rod's surface.  
As a result, a hybrid technological method for combining the sample components was developed, which involved the following: First, 10-20% \(\pm\) 0.002% (by mass of the total plasticizer) of the hydrocarbon plasticizer was weighed on an analytical balance with an accuracy of 0.0001 g into a glass measuring thermal cup. Then, the entire mass of MWCNTswas weighed into the same measuring cup, followed by the remaining 90-80% \(\pm\) 0.002% (by mass of the total plasticizer) of the hydrocarbon plasticizer to complete the preparation of the dispersion system sample. The glass thermal cup containing the dispersion system was then placed into the ultrasonic probe chamber (Vibra Cell). The ultrasonic probe was submerged into the sample, fixed with a stand, and ultrasonic dispersion was carried out (as shown in Figure 1).  
It was previously established that the duration of ultrasonic dispersion depends on the percentage of carbon nanotubes and ranges from 2 to 6 min [26]. It was also determined that to avoid fluctuations in the mass readings on the analytical balance when weighing small quantities (for MWCNTs), the surface on which the thermal cup is placed must be preheated to a temperature of 25-30 \({}^{\circ}\)C. This was completed using a container with water at the required temperature. This preparation method prevents particles from sticking to the glass cup surface and eliminates losses associated with the use of additional auxiliary tools. This is crucial for obtaining stable results and establishing reliable dependencies regarding the influence of carbon nanomaterials on hydrocarbon plasticizers. For each percentage of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, three samples were prepared.