the present invention relates to the use of composite materials as thickening agents for aqueous solutions , said material comprising carbon nanotubes and at least one hydrophilic polymers . the invention relates more particularly to the use of the materials described above as thickening agents n one of the fields chosen : from the following : the papermaking field , the oil field and also the fields of paint , water treatment , detergents , ceramics , cements , or hydraulic binders , civil engineering , inks and varnishes , and textile sizing .