The effect of morphology of ZnO particle on properties of asphalt binder and mixture

Abstract

To study the effects of the morphology of ZnO particles on the properties of asphalt binder and asphalt mixture, the micro ZnO particles with different morphologies (agglomerate, sphere, rod and flower), whose average size were 2 µm, were made by the homogeneous precipitation and hydrothermal methods. A series of tests, including the softening point, bending beam rheometer (BBR), dynamic shear rheological (DSR), Marshall test, rutting test and so on, were used for evaluating the properties of asphalt binder and asphalt mixture. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the maximum relative difference (MRD) were introduced to study the effects of the morphology of ZnO particles on the properties of asphalt binder and asphalt mixture. Finally, the optimal morphology of the ZnO particle was recommended. The results show that the morphology of the ZnO particle has a significant effect on the rutting factor, has an effect on the viscosity in the situation of the dosages of SBS are 0% and 4%, has no effect on the low temperature ability of asphalt binder. In terms of asphalt mixture, the morphology of the ZnO particle has a noticeable effect on the high temperature stability, has an effect on the low temperature ability, has almost no effect on the water stability of asphalt mixture. Furthermore, the rod-like ZnO particles are more conducive to promote the properties of asphalt binder and asphalt mixture. As a result, the rod-like ZnO particle is recommended.