Asphalt Binder Research Articles

Physical Properties and Rheological Characteristics of Cigarette Butt-Modified Asphalt Binders

Cigarette butt (CB) waste is abundant and difficult to biodegrade, which is dangerous for both the environment and human health. The key reason CBs are littered is that people do not know much about the harm CBs pose to the environment. Recycling CBs in infrastructure construction can help raise people’s awareness. To promote the recycling of CB waste, this paper aimed to determine the feasibility of using CBs as a modifier for asphalt binders. In this research, CBs were preprocessed and mixed with virgin asphalt binder as a fiber modifier. Comprehensive laboratory investigations, including a softening point test, viscosity test, storage stability test, and temperature sweep test, were performed, along with a frequency sweep test, to evaluate the performance of the modified samples. During this investigation, samples were prepared with 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% CBs. The results of the CB-modified samples were compared with the sample consisting of fresh bitumen (0% fiber). The results show that the physical and rheological properties of bitumen with incorporated CBs improved significantly, and CBs could be used instead of virgin cellulose fiber as a fiber modifier. However, CB-modified asphalt reduced the storage stability and low-temperature performance of the samples. Further research should focus on improving the storage stability and low-temperature performance of CB-modified asphalt binders to facilitate their application in asphalt pavements.

Marshall Properties and Rutting Resistance for Asphaltic Mixtures Modified by Nano-Montmorillonite

Rutting is a significant problem in flexible asphalt pavements, causing permanent deformation. Increased traffic, axle load, tire pressure, and hot weather have recently accelerated rutting in flexible pavements. Several researchers have suggested using nanomaterials to improve asphalt pavement and prolong its lifespan. The nano clay chosen for this study is a natural, hydrophilic montmorillonite in its raw form. Consequently, incorporating Nano-montmorillonite (MMT) into asphalt mixtures to improve performance under dynamic loads has gained significant attention. This can help reduce rutting damage and ensure the safety and durability of road surfaces. This study examines the impact of incorporating MMT into hot mix asphalt on the Marshall properties and resistance to rutting. It involved determining the optimal asphalt content using the Marshall design method, as well as the rutting depth for asphalt mixes using wheel tracking tests, for mixtures comprising different MMT percentages (2%, 4%, and 6%) as a percentage of the asphalt binder. The optimal asphalt content was 4.93% for the control mix. The inclusion of 6% MMT increased the Marshall stability the most by 16.79%. Marshall flow decreased when MMT was added. The control mix had a Marshall flow of 3.30 mm, but when using 4% MMT, the flow decreased to 2.81 mm, the most significant reduction. The ideal proportion of MMT was 6%, resulting in a 39.79% reduction in rut depth compared to the control mixture.

Research on the heat conduction, physical and rheological properties of asphalt binder modified with boron nitride

Research on the heat conduction, physical and rheological properties of asphalt binder modified with boron nitride

State of the art review on the principles of compatibility and chemical compatibilizers for recycled plastic-modified asphalt binders

State of the art review on the principles of compatibility and chemical compatibilizers for recycled plastic-modified asphalt binders

Performance enhancement of asphalt binders using upcycled waste tires and plastics: A UAE-based study on alternatives to SBS-modified binders

Performance enhancement of asphalt binders using upcycled waste tires and plastics: A UAE-based study on alternatives to SBS-modified binders

Fatigue and self-healing properties of asphalt binders based on the damage growth and crack growth models

Fatigue and self-healing properties of asphalt binders based on the damage growth and crack growth models

Diffusion behavior of phase change materials at the interface of aged asphalt binder based on molecular dynamics simulation and experimental analysis

Diffusion behavior of phase change materials at the interface of aged asphalt binder based on molecular dynamics simulation and experimental analysis

A comparative study of mixing nano particles in the bitumen by dry and wet method

Pavement deterioration owing to rutting, fatigue, and stripping provides substantial issues, needing early rehabilitation to avoid accidents and delays. Given the high costs of pavement repair and reconstruction, the use of additives to extend pavement life emerges as an economically viable approach. While previous initiatives have used admixtures such crumb rubber, cement, and geosynthetics to improve asphalt binder qualities, this research focuses on improving stripping, rutting, fatigue resistance, and viscosity by incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Methanol was used as a solvent in the present research to ensure uniform dispersion of CNTs, resolving a recurring issue. Mixing was ensured effectively by using a high-shear mixer that functioned for 40–45 minutes at 300–4800 rpm. To figure out how CNTs affected the performance of asphalt binder, various ratios of 0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9%, and 1.2% were investigated. The use of carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs), graphene nanoparticles (GNPs), and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as bitumen modifiers shows potential for improving the quality of asphalt binder. MWCNTs' excellent tensile strength and heat resistance make them ideal for transportation engineering applications. However, challenges exist in CNT preparation, economic implications, and attaining homogenous dispersion in bitumen. The investigation involves the creation of nine modified bitumen samples utilizing both wet and dry mixing procedures. The findings demonstrate that GNPs have a significant potential to improve bitumen stiffness properties. Furthermore, a higher percentage of nanocomposite resulted in reduced penetration, softening point, and ductility values, enhancing bitumen stiffness and resistance to rutting. Despite promising results, challenges regarding CNT preparation, cost-effectiveness, and uniform dispersion in bitumen indicate the need for additional research and development in this area.

Research on the Correlation Between the Chemical Components and the Macroscopic Properties of Asphalt Binder

The chemical composition of asphalt binder is closely related to its macroscopic properties, and as an important road building material, its performance directly affects the service performance of asphalt binder pavement. Saturate, aromatic, resin, and asphaltene are the four most common chemical components of asphalt binders, collectively known as the SARA components. The SARA components are used to establish the corresponding relationship between the chemical composition and the macroscopic properties of asphalt binder, which is of great significance for further research on and development of high-performance asphalt pavement materials. This study used eight types of virgin asphalt binders as raw materials, labeled A–H. Firstly, the thin-layer chromatography–flame ionization detection (TLC-FID) method was used to test the SARA contents of the different asphalt binders. Then, the conventional, rheological, and low-temperature properties of the different binders were tested. Finally, gray relational analysis (GRA) and Pearson correlation analysis (PCA) were used to study the correlation between the asphalt binder’s SARA content and its macroscopic properties. The results indicate that the contents of asphaltenes and resins are crucial in determining the high-temperature performance of asphalt binder. By adjusting the ratio of these components, the high-temperature performance of asphalt binder can be optimized. An increase in the content of heavy components, particularly asphaltenes, negatively affects the low-temperature performance of asphalt binder. In contrast, a higher aromatic content enhances its low-temperature performance.

Sustainability in Road Construction by Using Binders Modified with Biomass-Derived Bio-Oil – A Critical Review

The road construction sector is one of the largest consumers of bitumen. The fast depletion of limited bitumen resources has compelled researchers to adopt alternate binders to construct asphalt pavements. Biomass sources have gained attention as a means of modifying the conventional asphalt binder to meet all of the performance parameter requirements of different climatic conditions. This paper reviews the properties and application of biomass-derived sustainable products. It discusses two widely used primary thermochemical conversion processes: pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction. The effect of the chemical compositions of the bio-oils extracted from different biomass sources is reviewed. After comprehending the properties of bio-oils and the blending of bio-binders, the standard, chemical, and rheological properties of bio-oil-modified binders are reviewed in detail. The performance parameters of bio-oil-modified bituminous mixtures are also reviewed to check the adaptability of bio-oil to and its compatibility with the bituminous mixture. The review reveals that the properties of bio-oil vary drastically with the biomass resource. There are numerous aspects that need to be considered in relation to the oxidative aging of the bio-oil-modified binder and mixtures, which affects the performance at low- and intermediate-temperature conditions. It is observed that the addition of most biomass-derived bio-oils, which are fluid in nature at ambient temperature, leads to better performance at low and intermediate temperatures but undesirable performance at high-temperature conditions because of significant changes in the stiffness of the material. It is found from the review that treating a copolymer with or adding it to bio-oil can enhance the material's properties, resulting in better performance in severe field conditions and, at the same time, making it an environmentally friendly material.

Investigating moisture susceptibility of lignin modified asphalt binders with natural aggregates using surface free energy analysis

ABSTRACT Pavement deterioration due to moisture damage (MD), primarily caused by poor bitumen or binder-aggregate adhesion, poses significant challenges to road infrastructure. This study investigates the potential of lignin, a sustainable biopolymer, to improve the MD resistance of bitumen. Bitumen was modified with sodium lignosulfonate at varying concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%) and subjected to short-term aging. Surface free energy (SFE) analysis was conducted on base and lignin modified bitumen to assess their compatibility with four different aggregates. The results indicate that lignin modification enhances the MD resistance of bitumen up to a 10% dosage, beyond that cohesion within the binder is compromised. Basalt exhibited the highest improvement in energy ratio (ER) with the 10% lignin-modified bitumen, suggesting enhanced adhesion. Granite, limestone and quartzite showed promising adhesion characteristics under dry conditions. This study demonstrates the potential of lignin as a modifier to improve bitumen performance and provides valuable insights into bitumen-aggregate compatibility. The ER values can serve as a predictive tool for highway agencies to select suitable binder-aggregate combinations for improved pavement durability.

Ascertaining the Environmental Advantages of Pavement Designs Incorporating Recycled Content through a Parametric and Probabilistic Approach.

Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is a widely used end-of-life (EoL) material in asphalt pavements to increase the material circularity. However, the performance loss due to using RAP in the asphalt binder layer often requires a thicker layer, leading to additional material usage, energy consumption, and transportation effort. In this study, we developed a parametric and probabilistic life cycle assessment (LCA) framework to robustly compare various pavement designs incorporating recycled materials. Our framework is built upon thermodynamic and physical principles to reveal the complex relationship among the parameters. Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) models and Highway Development Management (HDM4) models are integrated into the framework to estimate pavement roughness and vehicle fuel consumption during the use phase. The pedigree approach and Monte Carlo simulation are integrated into the framework to reflect data uncertainty at the parameter level. We applied the framework to evaluate 66 Flemish motorway segments, revealing that using RAP in the binder layer with increased thickness does not necessarily guarantee lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for pavement construction. However, it may lead to lower GHG emissions due to fuel savings when considering the use phase, highlighting the vital role of the use phase in pavement LCA. Our global sensitivity analysis highlights several contributors (out of 87 parameters) to GHG emissions variance depending on the LCA scope: fuel consumption during the use phase, transport distances, mass of fine aggregate, and machine power and machine productivity during pavement construction. Reducing uncertainties in these parameters can decrease the variance by up to 60%, enhancing discernibility by up to 11%. In conclusion, our parametric and probabilistic LCA framework provides a nuanced understanding when comparing various pavement designs incorporating recycled content, enabling robust decision-making through improved data quality.

Efficacy of octadecylamine-functionalized graphene versus graphene nanoplatelets and graphene oxide as asphalt binder modifiers for high-temperature performance

In this work, we comprehensively report on the synthesis of octadecylamine (ODA)-functionalized graphene (G-ODA) and compare its performance to those of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and graphene oxide (GO) as asphalt binder modifiers. An exploration into the mechanisms through which asphalt binder properties are enhanced by each graphene-based material has been conducted, identifying the one that demonstrates superior compatibility with asphalt. The study systematically evaluates the performance of each modifier, analyzing viscosity, rheology, anti-aging properties, morphology, and chemical transformations within asphalt binders. Experimental results indicate that all three graphene-based modifiers enhance the high-temperature performance and aging resistance of the asphalt binder, with GO emerging as the most compatible material, exhibiting superior performance across all investigated responses. The rheological properties results show that GO can improve G*/sin(δ) for the unaged binder by about 120%, followed by G-ODA and GNP. On the contrary, multiple stress creep and recovery (MSCR) results indicate that both GO and GNP efficiently reduce permanent deformation, with reductions in Jnr of about 39% and 34%, respectively while the G-ODA shows a smaller reduction of − 10%. Additionally, GO excels in improving elastic response, showing a substantial increase in percent recovery at 297%, compared to 48.4% with GNP and 28.8% with G-ODA. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis establishes the absence of evidence indicating chemical interaction between any of the graphene-based materials and asphalt molecules. This suggests that the improvement is solely attributed to physical interaction, specifically through π-π interaction. On the other hand, AFM phase images indicate that all graphene-based materials can alter the morphology of asphalt binders. They increase the projected surface area of the Peri/Catana phases, which can influence the rheological properties of the binder.

Research on the Aging Characteristics of Simulated Asphalt Within Pavement Structures in Natural Environments.

The global asphalt production growth rate exceeded 10% in the past decade, and over 90% of the world's road surfaces are generated from asphalt materials. Therefore, the issue of asphalt aging has been widely researched. In this study, the aging of asphalt thin films under various natural conditions was studied to prevent the distortion of indoor simulated aging and to prevent the extraction of asphalt samples from road surfaces from impacting the aged asphalt. The aging of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt was simulated at four different locations on an asphalt road surface. The aging characteristics of asphalt binders across various structural layers were revealed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and linear amplitude scanning (LAS). The results indicate that the aging behavior of the asphalt functional group on the road surface differs from other conditions; the asphalt fatigue life of 4 months equates to the 16-month aging life of asphalt within the dense-graded asphalt road surface. After 8 months of aging, the surface smoothness of the asphalt was significantly compromised. Inside of the porous pavement, the asphalt functional group is more likely to interact with water molecules than inside the dense pavement with cracks, and the variations in roughness and the reduction in fatigue life are also more significant.

Impact of Aggregate Characteristics on Frictional Performance of Asphalt-Based High Friction Surface Treatments

High Friction Surface Treatments (HFST) are recognized for their effectiveness in enhancing skid resistance and reducing road accidents. While Epoxy-based HFSTs are widely applied, they present limitations such as compatibility issues with existing pavements, high installation and removal costs, and durability concerns tied to substrate quality. As an alternative to traditional Epoxy-based HFSTs, this study investigated the effects of aggregate gradation as designated by agencies on the performance of asphalt-based HFST. Various aggregate types were assessed to evaluate friction performance and the impact of polishing cycles on non-Epoxy HFST. It was found that adjustments in aggregate size and gradation may be necessary when transitioning to asphalt-based HFSTs, given the different nature of asphalt as more temperature susceptible compared to Epoxy. Various asphalt binder grades were considered in this study. A series of tests, including the British Pendulum Test (BPT), Dynamic Friction Tester (DFT), Circular Track Meter (CTM), Micro-Deval (MD), and Aggregate Imaging Measurement System (AIMS), were conducted to measure Coefficient of Friction (COF), Mean Profile Depth (MPD), texture, and angularity before and after polishing cycles. The results showed that the COF in asphalt-based slabs decreased more significantly than in Epoxy-based slabs as polishing cycles increased for HFST and medium gradations. However, in coarse gradation, the COF of slabs using asphalt-based binder matched or even surpassed that of Epoxy after polishing. Notably, the PG88-16 binder for Calcined Bauxite (CB) had the smallest reduction in COF after 140K polishing cycles, with only a 19% decrease compared to a 23% reduction for Epoxy.

The Impact of Composite Nanomaterials on Physiochemical and Durability of Asphalt Binders

The inadequate resistance of traditional asphalt binders to aging, temperature fluctuations, and fatigue cracking underlines the necessity for innovative modifications to boost pavement durability. This study aims to state the inadequate exploration of the direct application of composite nanomaterials in asphalt binders by assessing their direct effects on physiochemical and durability properties without the inclusion of additional additives. The composite nanomaterials, combined with different amounts of Nano-Silica, Nano-Alumina, and Nano-Copper oxide, were incorporated into the binder at 2%, 4%, and 6% by weight. A series of conventional and rheological tests were conducted, including penetration, temperature susceptibility, Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), Rolling Thin Film Oven Test (RTFOT), and Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR). The results demonstrated that the addition of 2% nanomaterials improved penetration by 34% and 41% for unaged and aged samples, respectively, while a 4% addition reduced temperature susceptibility by 64% for aged binders in a mix containing equal amounts of combined nanomaterials. DSR analysis indicated enhanced stiffness and viscoelastic properties, with increased complex shear modulus (G*) and reduced phase angle (δ). Aging resistance was enhanced as established by RTFOT, and acceptable low-temperature performance was attained per BBR results. These results found composite nanomaterials as a capable key for advancing asphalt binder performance.

An Investigation of the Capabilities of Resin Tire Carbon Black “N-330” as a Waste Binder in Asphalt Concrete Mixtures

This study investigates the potential use of tire-derived carbon black “N-330” as a sustainable waste binder in asphalt concrete mixtures, combined with resin as an alternative to the usual binding material in asphalt mixtures, “bitumen”. With the increasing demand for environmentally friendly construction materials, this research aims to assess the feasibility of incorporating resin tire carbon black N-330 “RTCB N-330” into asphalt as a full replacement for conventional binders. A comprehensive experimental program has been designed to evaluate the mechanical and performance properties of asphalt mixtures containing varying proportions of RTCB N-330, ranging from 2% to 10% by weight of the binder. The impact of replacing bitumen with resin that contains TCB N-330 on the physical, rheological, and thermal characteristics of RTCB N-330 as a modified asphalt binder is assessed in this study. To assess the binders, a number of tests were carried out, including standard tests for ductility, the softening point, and penetration. DTG (Derivative Thermogravimetric Analysis) and testing the thermal susceptibility index were performed. A higher percentage of TCB N-330 reduced the penetration while increasing both the softening point and ductility. Resin with 8% of TCB N-330 was the optimum percentage, which was compared with bitumen as a new environmentally friendly binder. The testing program involved the preparation of asphalt concrete specimens using a Marshall mix design, followed by a Marshall Stability test to evaluate the deformation resistance of the modified mixtures. The results were anticipated to demonstrate that incorporating N-330 into asphalt mixtures can enhance stability. The Marshall test results indicated that samples with 6% resin tire carbon black as the binder percentage “AC-RTCB6” demonstrated the highest stability among all RTCB samples. Moreover, these samples outperformed asphalt mixtures using bitumen as the binder in terms of stability. Also, the AC-B mixes exhibited lower flow values compared to the AC-RTCB mixes. The higher flow observed in the AC-RTCB specimens suggests that the addition of 1.5% xylene as a solvent to the resin was effective and positively influenced the flow characteristics.

Investigation of Chloride Salt Erosion on Asphalt Binders and Mixtures: Performance Evaluation and Correlation Analysis.

Asphalt pavement, widely utilized in transportation infrastructure due to its favourable properties, faces significant degradation from chloride salt erosion in coastal areas and winter deicing regions. In this study, two commonly used asphalt binders, 70# base asphalt and SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene)-modified asphalt, were utilized to study the chloride salt erosion effect on asphalt pavement by immersing materials in laboratory-prepared chloride salt solutions. The conventional properties and adhesion of asphalt were assessed using penetration, softening point, ductility, and pull-off tests, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) elucidated the erosion mechanism. The Marshall stability test, freeze-thaw splitting test, and Cantabro test were applied to study the effects of chloride exposure on the strength, water stability, and structural integrity of the asphalt mixture. Finally, the grey correlation analysis was employed to assess the impact of chloride salt erosion on the performance of asphalt binders and mixtures. The findings highlight that chloride salt erosion reduces penetration and ductility in both types of asphalt binders, raises the softening point, and weakens asphalt-aggregate adhesion, confirmed as a primarily physical effect by FTIR analysis. Asphalt mixtures showed decreased strength and water stability, intensifying these impacts at higher chloride concentrations and longer erosion duration. SBS-modified asphalt binders and mixtures exhibited greater resistance to chloride salt erosion, particularly in adhesion, as demonstrated by the Cantabro and pull-out tests. Grey relational analysis revealed that erosion duration is the most influential factor, with TSR and softening point emerging as the most responsive indicators of chloride-induced changes. These findings offer critical insights for practice, providing evidence-based guidance for designing and constructing asphalt pavements in environments with high chloride levels.

Enriching asphalt binders’ rheology by joining nano-copper oxide as a modifier

The durability of road surfaces faces persistent challenges due to increasing traffic loads and the vulnerability of traditional asphalt binders to aging, temperature fluctuations, and fatigue cracking. To address these issues, researchers have explored the integration of nanomaterials into asphalt binders to enhance their durability and rheological performance. Bitumen 60/70 Penetration Grade, commonly produced in Iraq, is rarely used locally due to its sensitivity to temperature variations. In this study, Nano-Copper Oxide was incorporated as a modifier into the asphalt binder at concentrations of 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% by weight. The modified binders underwent conventional tests such as Penetration, Softening Point, and Ductility, alongside rheological tests including the Dynamic Shear Rheometer and Bending Beam Rheometer. The results revealed significant improvements in penetration reaching about 25% and 37% at 6% content for both unaged and aged samples, respectively. While the lowest temperature susceptibility found at 4% content. Additionally, the viscoelastic behavior was improved, as indicated by higher G* values and lower δ values compared to the original binder with enhanced stiffness and reduced aging effects as confirmed by the Rolling Thin Film Oven Test. Furthermore, the nano-modified binders met SuperPave™ specifications and exhibited resistance to low-temperature cracking only at -6 °C and failed at -12 °C. These findings suggest the potential for extended pavement service life and increased durability through the use of nano-modified asphalt binders.

Assessment of moisture resistance and bonding behavior of cup lump rubber modified asphalt mixture containing wax-based surfactant

Abstract The present study evaluates moisture induced damage potential using a sessile drop method and a pneumatic adhesion tensile testing instrument (PATTI). The bonding behavior of the aggregates (granite and limestone) and cup lump rubber modified asphalt binder (CMB) with wax-based surfactant (WS) was evaluated. The results revealed that the granite aggregate exhibited a higher work of adhesion compared to the limestone. In the dry condition, the addition of more than 0.15% WS to the CMB reduced the work of adhesion and the bonding strength. Using the sessile drop method, the moisture resistance of the limestone aggregate with the CMB and WS was enhanced, but the bonding strength was reduced. The incorporation of WS reduced the surface free energy (SFE) regardless of the aging conditions and made the aggregate surface more hydrophobic for the increased interfacial adhesion. Incorporating WS in the CMB improved the work of adhesion under the wet condition, thus indicating that WS is an effective anti-stripping agent. Considering its comprehensive properties in the CMB, the amount of WS should be limited to 0.15%.