Abstract
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to explore the effects of graphene modifier on the microstructure of asphalt. The morphologies of the before- and after-aged base asphalt and modified asphalt were performed and compared with analysis. The formation mechanism of asphaltic “bee structures” and the influence mechanism of graphene on asphalt were discussed from the classical theory of material science (phase transformation theory and diffusion theory). The results show that graphene facilitates the nucleation of “bee structures”, resulting in an increasing number and decreasing volume of “bee structures” in modified asphalt. Additionally, the anti-aging performance of the modified asphalt improved significantly because of graphene incorporation.
Highlights
Asphalt is a complicated mixture of various hydrocarbons and their nonmetallic derivatives
Cheraghian et al studied the ultraviolet aging resistance of fumed silica nanoparticles modified bitumen and the results show that the anti-ultraviolet aging property of modified asphalt is improved with the increase of nano silica content [18]
This reduction shows that the volume of the “bee structure” in asphalt decreased after modification by graphene
Summary
Asphalt is a complicated mixture of various hydrocarbons and their nonmetallic (oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen) derivatives. Nanomaterials used as asphalt modifications have increasingly been studied to improve the mechanical and physical properties of bitumen. Some nanomaterials such as titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) [13], zinc oxide (ZnO) [14], graphene oxide (GO) [15], silicon dioxide (SiO2 ) [16], and montmorillonite [17] have been selected as modifiers to improve the road performance and extend the durability of asphalt. Shi et al investigated the properties and modification mechanism of GO-modified asphalt and discovered that a trace amount of GO restricted the movement of asphalt molecules and improved their high-temperature performance [23,24,25]. Phase transformation theory, and diffusion theory were introduced to interpret the mechanism of graphene on asphalt’s microscopic “bee structures.”
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
