Effect of impregnated organophilic (hydrophobic) nano clay on asphalt binder properties and performance

Abstract

This research paper presents the effects of electrophilic modification on raw nano clay (which is hydrophilic in nature) through wet impregnation method to transform it into hydrophobic nature. The reactivity, adsorption capability, and compatibility of nano clay with hydrocarbon and organic materials are improved by entailing functional group (QAS) on raw nano clay surface. Impact of impregnated organophilic nano clay (hydrophobic) on asphalt binder properties and mixture’s performance are studied. Organophilic(hydrophobic) nano clay with 3–5% content to the weight of the binder were selected after extensive trials for modification of asphalt binder. To analyze the electrophilic changes in organophilic nano clay (ONC) and its bonding chemistry with asphalt binder, FTIR analysis, and X-ray diffraction techniques were utilized. In addition, viscosity, low & high-temperature stiffness, bitumen bond strength, and phase separation were studied in the lab. The effect of organophilic nano clay modified binder on asphalt mixture was also measured by deploying rut resistance, moisture susceptibility& fatigue resistance tests. The study revealed that raw nano clay showed chemical compatibility with asphalt binder after electrophilic modification through wet impregnation method. ONC modified binder had better rheological properties, homogenized composition, and storage stability than hydrophilic nature. Mixtures prepared with ONC showed better resistance to rutting, fatigue, and moisture susceptibility.