Rheological Performance of ZycoTherm/Nano-Silica Composite Modified Binders at High and Low Temperatures

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the impact of control and warm mix binders modified with nano-silica on the asphalt binder functioning to resist rutting endurance and low-temperature cracking. The percentages of nano-silica employed in this research were 2%, 4%, and 6% of asphalt binder weight. The control and modified binders were evaluated by performing conventional and rheological tests. The rheological properties were examined by master curves, isochronal plots, multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR), Superpave rutting parameter, and bending beam rheometer. The outcomes implied that the performance of the asphalt binder (with or without ZycoTherm) improved when nano-silica was added concerning (G*/sin δ) parameter. The MSCR test demonstrated that the recovery (R %) of the control and warm mix binders improved whereas the non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr) dropped, implying that nano-silica boosted the rutting potential. Moreover, it was observed at different temperatures that the values for the complex shear modulus increased when the phase angle values were reduced. Furthermore, at low temperatures, it is presumed that the performance of nano-silica modified asphalt binders will have minimal performance as opposed to the binders prepared with ZycoTherm, which prevents low-temperature cracking.