Binding Material Research Articles

A Holistic View of Asphalt Binder Aging under Ultraviolet Conditions: Chemical, Structural, and Rheological Characterization

Asphalt, as a key binder material in road construction, is susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced aging, leading to embrittlement and reduced durability. Despite the significance of UV aging, research in this area remains limited compared to that on thermal aging. This paper comprehensively reviews the current state of research on UV aging in asphalt, focusing on its mechanism, evaluation indicators, and methods to delay or avoid UV aging. The structural components, rheological properties, and aging mechanisms of asphalt are discussed. Various UV aging simulation methods, including the use of UV chambers and accelerated aging tests, are presented along with their evaluation tests such as dynamic shear rheometry, rutting tests, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, and bending beam rheology. Key indicators used to assess UV aging, including physical properties, rheological parameters, and chemical composition changes, are summarized. The mechanisms underlying UV aging, particularly the changes in asphalt’s structural components and rheological properties, are examined. The impact of factors like radiation intensity, temperature, chemical composition, and asphalt film thickness on UV aging is discussed. Additionally, various additives and modifiers, including modified bitumen, UV shielding agents, UV absorbers, antioxidants, and nanomodifiers, are reviewed for their potential to mitigate UV aging. This paper concludes by highlighting the challenges in developing standardized test equipment and evaluation criteria, the limitations of organic modifiers, and the need for further research on nanomaterials to improve asphalt’s UV aging resistance.

Degradation of alkali‐activated Fe‐rich slag in magnesium sulfate solution

AbstractThe potential of Fe‐rich non‐ferrous metallurgical slag (NFMS) in alkali‐activated materials has been demonstrated, exhibiting promising mechanical strength and fire resistance. However, the durability of alkali‐activated NFMS (AA‐NFMS) in terms of sulfate salt resistance remains unexplored. Additionally, the variability in the chemical composition of NFMS presents challenges in directly assessing the durability of AA‐NFMS. This study investigates the interplay between the Ca/Si and Mg/Ca ratios in Fe‐rich NFMS and the resulting MgSO4 resistance of the AA‐NFMS made thereof. To do so, mass change and compressive strength retention were monitored for six months on AA‐NFMS immersed in 5 wt% MgSO4, whereas microstructure was investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA). The results show that the MgSO4 solution attacked selectively the reacted binder matrix of AA‐NFMS rather than the unreacted slag. The corrosion primarily occurs at the sulfate exposure surface of AA‐NFMS, forming a dense, thin layer of Mg(OH)2, which acts as a barrier and impedes further attack. Dissolution of Ca is the most pronounced among the major elements (Ca, Fe, Al, and Si) in the NFMS. The mass of the specimens increased linearly with the initial Ca content. The medium Ca concentration (∼10%) retained the highest strength.

Stress-Strain Behavior of Soft Soil Stabilized with Nickel Slag, Limestone, and Aluminum Hydroxide

Soil stabilization by combining several minerals is a form of material engineering aimed at increasing the bearing capacity of the soil to a higher level. The development of waste-based materials and the utilization of local potential are part of environmentally conscious construction. This study aims to analyses the mechanical behaviour of soil stabilized with several pozzolanic materials derived from nickel processing waste and limestone, which are local materials with very large deposits. ASTM standards were used in this study for both physical and mechanical testing. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests were conducted to compare the mechanical behaviour of stabilized soil with that of natural soil. The test samples used were cylindrical with a diameter of 35 mm and a height of 70 mm. The binding materials consisted of nickel slag, aluminium hydroxide, and limestone, with the amount of each material based on the dry soil weight (γdry). The addition of lime in this study was varied at 2%, 4%, and 6%. The test results generally show that lime variations and curing time affect the increase in unconfined compressive strength (qu), with the highest value of 30.91 kg/cm² observed at 6% lime content after 28 days of curing.

Mechanical Characteristics of Hardened Concrete with Different Types of Cement and Aggregate Available in Bangladesh

This paper presents the results of an investigation on the influence of aggregate and binding material type on the mechanical properties of hardened concrete. To perform this investigation, four different types of coarse aggregate (Brick Aggregate, Recycled Brick Aggregate, Black Stone and Shingles) and eight types of binding material [Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), CEM Type II B-M, CEM Type II B-M-SL, 40% OPC – 60% Slag CEM IIIA, 80% OPC – 20% Slag(CEM II/A-S), 70% OPC – 30% Slag(CEM II/B-S), 30% OPC –70% Slag(CEM-IIIB), 15% OPC –85% Slag(CEM-IIIC)] have been used. Aggregates were collected and prepared according to grading requirements of ASTM C33-03. Several tests as specific gravity, absorption capacity, unit weight and abrasion resistance were performed for coarse aggregate. Cylindrical concrete specimens of diameter 100 mm and length 200 mm were made with different W/C ratio (0.45 and 0.5) and cement content (340 kg/m3 and 400 kg/m3). A total of 42 different cases were considered for testing. The specimens were tested for compressive strength, stress-strain curve and Young’s modulus at the age of 28 days. Non-destructive test as Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) were also performed. To conduct UPV test Portable Ultrasonic Non-destructive Digital Indicating Tester (PUNDIT) were used. The major objective of this study was to investigate the mechanical characteristics of concrete for different types of aggregate and binding materials. The significance of those results is discussed here.

A novel route to produce metal or ceramic parts in space: local debinding and sintering of powdered filaments

AbstractIn-space manufacturing of polymer feedstocks has already been shown using the widely investigated filament extrusion additive manufacturing (AM) technology. Yet, polymers are only a small piece of the puzzle, and there is a growing demand to locally source metal and ceramic parts. In this manuscript, we propose a cost-effective method for in-orbit manufacturing of metal and ceramic multi-material components using highly packed powdered filaments, which need to be shaped, debinded, and sintered in sequential steps. Traditional debinding and sintering of material extrusion (MEX) AM parts are known to be time-consuming and require complex post-processing, often involving toxic debinding agents. To overcome this, a low-intensity infrared diode laser and an induction heater are coupled to a hybrid MEX system to allow full processing in situ, within the same volume. The results show that the main binder matrix can be removed across the 3D volume of the part via laser ablation of the polymeric mass, even for multi-material metal–ceramic composites. The sintered geometries further densify efficiently within the bulk due to the high-energy concentration of the induction sintering treatment, providing short processing times. Debinding and sintering locally, in the same machine, offer a simple and effective way to produce space hardware in situ, avoiding the use of consumables or part transportation to bulky equipment.

Asteroid disruption and deflection simulations for multi-modal planetary defense

Planetary defense from asteroids via deflective means alone does not offer viable solutions in terminal scenarios where there is little warning time before impact. The PI method of planetary defense enables operation in terminal interdiction modes where there is little warning time prior to impact, but can also operate in the same extended time scale interdiction modes as made possible by traditional deflection techniques, which results in a versatile, multi-modal planetary defense capability. The method is also practical and cost-effective since it relies solely on launch vehicles and penetrator materials already available today, and thus presents itself as a logical and competitive option for planetary defense. As per the PI method, we investigate the effectiveness of rubble pile asteroid disruption and deflection via hypervelocity impacts with 10:1 aspect ratio cylindrical tungsten penetrators. We present the results of an ongoing simulation campaign dedicated to investigating the PI method, using the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) hydrodynamics code ALE3D run with the High-End Computing Capability (HECC) at NASA Ames Research Center. We model heterogeneous rubble pile asteroids with a distribution of spherical boulders of varying initial yield strengths set within a weak binder material. We find that rubble pile asteroids of this type in the 20–100 meter-class can be effectively mitigated via 20 km/s impacts with 100–1000 kg penetrators via the coupling of the penetrator kinetic energy into the bulk material of the asteroid.

Investigation the Use of Waste Glass and Waste Paper as an Alternative Construction Binding Material: An Approach Towards Sustainable Environment

The idea of repurposing garbage as a resource within the building industry has drawn much attention in light of growing worldwide concerns about sustainable development and waste management. This thesis explores the intriguing idea of using waste materials as a practical and ecological replacement for construction materials and also carefully evaluates the technical, environmental and financial viability of incorporating various waste products, like household waste paper and waste glass into different construction applications. The results of this research project are incredibly insightful. Regarding waste paper as a cement replacement, the experiment demonstrated that substituting 10%, 20% or 30% of cement with waste paper is not a recommended practice. In all instances, the resulting concrete blocks exhibited a significant reduction in strength when compared to traditional concrete formulations. This outcome underscores the limitations of waste paper as a viable substitute for maintaining concrete strength. Conversely, findings regarding glass waste replacement in cement are particularly exciting. At just 7 days of curing, concrete blocks incorporating 10% and 20% glass waste replacements displayed higher strength than their conventional counterparts, showcasing an early strength advantage. By the 14-day mark, the strength of these glass waste-reinforced blocks closely approached that of standard concrete, highlighting their potential for use in sustainable construction practices. Even more impressively, at 21 days of curing, when conventional concrete reached its peak strength at 28.33 KN per square meter, the blocks with 10%, 20% and 30% glass waste replacement-maintained robustness, with strengths of 26.4, 25.26 and 19.44 KN per square meter respectively. This prolonged strength retention suggests that glass waste-reinforced concrete can serve as a sustainable alternative without compromising structural integrity, even in the long term.

The potential of flip-flops waste as an environmentally friendly sound-absorbing material

Abstract Rubber flip-flops waste is a type of waste that is difficult to decompose, it needs to be recycled into useful items to reduce the negative impact on the environment. This research aims to test the sound absorption coefficient of waste flip-flops as a basic material for making environmentally friendly acoustic panels. The method used is simulation and modeling, making samples by mixing flip-flops rubber particles and the binding material as neoprene glue. Tests were carried out on two samples of acoustic panels with particles measuring 3 mm and 7 mm using animpedance tube. The research results show that panels with a particle size of 7mm can achieve a higher level of sound absorption in the frequency range of 200 Hz - 1600 Hz compared to particles measuring 3 mm. The conclusion is that used flip-flops have the potential to become acoustic panels that can absorb sound. This research offers an environmentally friendly solution for managing flip-flop waste and processing it as an acoustic panel product that effectively reduces disturbances.

Effect of drying temperature on binder/current collector interfacial adhesion in electrode manufacturing of Li-ion batteries

Li-ion battery manufacturing process parameters are critical to the electrode properties and the final cell electrochemical performance. During the electrode drying process, the drying temperature plays a critical role on the binder migration, which affects the interfacial adhesion between the electrode and the current collector. However, the influence of the temperature on the properties of the binder material and the binder/current collector interface is yet unknown. In this work, we studied the effect of drying temperature on the interfacial adhesion between the binder and the current collector by direct coating of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) solution on Al foil and then drying at various temperatures. The interfacial adhesion strength between the PVDF and the Al foil was significantly increased, from 9.72 N/m (dried at room temperature) to > 665.80 N/m (dried at 200 ℃) with increased temperature. DSC and XRD analyses showed the changes in the crystalline forms of PVDF under different drying temperature. This work revealed that the drying temperature during electrode manufacturing should be considered from the aspects of both binder migration in mid-stage and PVDF crystalline properties in late-stage solvent drying.

An Experimental Investigation on Nano-Enhanced Tertiary Blended Concrete Incorporating Industrial Wastes

Concrete is a crucial material in the construction industry; however, its production process releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Undoubtedly, the building sector's increasing global interest unveils a challenge to its ability to withstand cement alternatives and manage the resulting outflows. Fly ash, GGBS (ground granulated blast furnace slag), Zeolite, rice husk, silica fume, metakaolin, and various industry by-products can typically replace cement. This research study aims to replace cement with multiple cementitious materials, individually and in combination, to evaluate the strength characteristics of blended concrete. The replacement percentages ranged from 0 to 30% for each substitute material, such as fly ash, GGBS, and Zeolite, and strength tests were done to assess the performance of the modified concrete after 7 and 28 days of water curing. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is used to create M30 and M50 grades of concrete. Similarly, cement was replaced with fly ash, GGBS, and Zeolite in amounts ranging from 10 to 30% for M30 and M50 grades, and their strength was evaluated after 7 and 28 days of curing. The most efficient percentage of substitution for both the concrete grades is determined, and the corresponding replacement ratio is used to produce the blended concrete, which incorporates cement, fly ash, GGBS, and Zeolite. The overall findings reveal that the composite concrete, comprising four binding materials, demonstrated superior strength for the concrete grade compared to alternative substitutes. The optimal mixture ratios for M30 concrete after 28 days consist of 20% fly ash, 20% GGBS, and 10% zeolite. Moreover, different ratios of Zeolite-10%, Fly-Ash-30%, and GGBS-20% were used to produce M50 concrete.

Optimization of Geopolymers for Sustainable Management of Mine Tailings: Impact on Mechanical, Microstructural, and Toxicological Properties

This study investigates the use of geopolymer technology as an alternative for the management of mine tailings, which is a serious environmental problem in mining areas, including the Arequipa region of Peru. In this study, the mixture of stabilized mine tailings with different percentages of binders (i.e., metakaolin and pumice) and their impact on the mechanical, microstructural, and toxicological properties of the synthesized geopolymers were analyzed. The ratios of mine tailings to binder material varied between 100/0 and 0/100. The activation was carried out with an alkaline solution of sodium hydroxide (10 M) and sodium silicate (modulus 2.5). Specimens were fabricated as 50 mm cubes, and the seven mix designs were evaluated in triplicate. The evaluations included compressive strength at 7, 14, 28, and 56 days of curing, chemical analysis by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), microstructural characterization by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM/EDS), thermal behavior by thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) between 40 °C and 1000 °C, and toxicological tests by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP, EPA 1311) to determine the efficiency of immobilization of toxic metals. The results demonstrate significant improvements in compressive strength for the F50 specimens compared to A0, with increases of approximately 300%, 270%, and 461% observed at 7, 28, and 56 days of curing, respectively, with microstructural stability with an average pore size of 7.21 μm, and efficiency in the immobilization of heavy metals in geopolymers with 30% or 40% binder (60%–70% mine tailings). The leachate concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, and Hg were below the established thresholds, indicating that the stabilized mine tailings can be classified as “non-hazardous materials”. Geopolymers with 30% to 50% binder showed strength development with microstructural stability and efficiency in the immobilization of heavy metals, complying with current regulations. Therefore, these geopolymers are suitable for various applications and in different environmental conditions.

Impact of Binder Selection on Functional Properties of Polymer Nanocomposite Featured with Metal Oxide Nanoparticle

The effectiveness of nanocomposite materials depends on the accuracy of the binder selection process. This process is crucial for ensuring compatibility, better adhesive behaviour, and stability during the synthesis of polymer composites with metal nanoparticles. An investigation was conducted to analyze the accuracy and efficiency of binder materials on metal nanoparticle (oxide) featured polymer composites. The investigation utilized Advanced Spectroscopic Computational Optimization Analysis (ASCOA) and high-throughput experimental methods to identify and optimize binders using computational modelling (ACM). The processes driving binder-nanoparticle interactions were unravelled by combining advanced characterization methods such as Transition Metal Oxide-based Materials (TMO-M), non-hydrolyzable sialic acid (N-HSIA), and oxygen reduction reaction process (ORR) investigations. In-depth simulation analyses were performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods and gain further understanding. These simulations investigated alternative binding arrangements to maximize material performance while considering sustainability and economic factors. The results demonstrated how binder choice affects material properties, which can be valuable for designing better nanocomposite materials for specific purposes. Additionally, the ASCOA and ACM analyses revealed an accuracy ratio of more than 90% and efficiency ratios of 86% and 84% for ASCOA and ACM, respectively.

A non-isothermal breakage-damage model for plastic-bonded granular materials incorporating temperature, pressure, and rate dependencies

Plastic-bonded granular materials (PBM) are widely used in industrial sectors, including building construction, abrasive applications, and defense applications such as plastic-bonded explosives. The mechanical behavior of PBM is highly nonlinear, irreversible, rate dependent, and temperature sensitive governed by various micromechanical attributions such as grain crushing and binder damage. This paper presents a thermodynamically consistent, microstructure-informed constitutive model to capture these characteristic behaviors of PBM. Key features of the model include a breakage internal variable to upscale the grain-scale information to the continuum level and to predict grain size evolution under mechanical loading. In addition, a damage internal state variable is introduced to account for the damage, deterioration, and debonding of the binder matrix upon loading. Temperature is taken as a fundamental external state variable to handle non-isothermal loading paths. The proposed model is able to capture with good accuracy several important aspects of the mechanical properties of PBM, such as pressure-dependent elasticity, pressure-dependent yield strength, brittle-to-ductile transition, temperature dependency, and rate dependency in the post-yielding regime. The model is validated against multiple published datasets obtained from confined and unconfined compression tests, covering various PBM compositions, confining pressures, temperatures, and strain rates.

Comparative study on the chemical and physical filling effects of binder materials in Green Ultra‐High Performance Concrete and Ultra‐High Performance Concrete

The development of Green Ultra-High Performance Concrete (GUHPC) is one of the primary approaches to combat global warming in the construction industry and has received widespread attention. Accurately quantifying the physical and chemical filling effects of binder materials can aid in the development of more efficient design methods for GUHPC. The hydration and microstructure development of GUHPC were investigated by a combination of the isothermal calorimetry, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), thermogravimetry (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and backscattered electron microscopy (BSEM). The physical and chemical filling effects of each binder material on the porosity of paste were quantified. The results indicated that both the physical and chemical filling effects of the binder materials made essential contributions to the porosity. Compared with in UHPC, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) play a better chemical and physical filling role in GUHPC. More attention needs to be paid to the chemical filling effect of mineral admixtures in the design of GUHPC. Reasons for limiting the ability of binder materials in GUHPC to achieve better chemical filling effects were discussed.

Sulfate resistance of alkali-activated flyash-slag-lime concrete: comparative study of drying-wetting cycles and conventional exposure

Abstract Sulphate resistance of concrete is a crucial parameter for design of offshore structures. Of late alkali-activated materials are been given due consideration for infrastructure projects. In this context, the present study aims to assess the sulphate resistance of Alkali-Activated Concrete (AAC) with ternary blend of flyash-Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag (GGBS) and limestone as the principal binder. The first phase of the study includes the optimization of ternary AAC mix with the inclusion of limestone as a potential binder to popularly used flyash slag blends. The inclusion of 5% limestone powder into the binder matrix is found to have beneficial effect on the mechanical properties of the ternary blended AAC. Further, an increase in the limestone powder content is not found to influence mechanical properties positively. The AAC mix with 5% limestone of total binder content was therefore selected for further evaluation of sulphate resistance. The sulfate resistance is evaluated under the alkaline media by subjecting AAC specimens to constant immersion and alternative drying and wetting cycles. The mechanical characteristics and mass reduction of the exposed samples were tested and compared with the conventional Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) specimens. Evaluations were conducted over periods of 30, 45, 120, and 365 days of exposure. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy (EDS) were also used to determine the surface morphology and mineral composition of samples after 365 days of exposure periods. The Flyash-Slag-Lime AAC exhibits denser morphology in comparison to OPC-based concrete, which in turn offers enhanced sulphate resistance.

Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of Hybrid E-Glass and Mohair Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites

Natural fiber composites have significant potential to replace traditional materials used in industries due to their excellent tensile strength, stiffness, low specific weight, and superior thermal and insulating properties. Mohair fiber, also known as the Noble fiber and the Diamond fiber, is obtained from the Angora goat, an animal of Tibetan origin. Renowned for its brilliant luster and resilience, Mohair is a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. The primary objective of this study is to manufacture and test a new natural fiber composite that could potentially outperform existing materials in real-world applications. Specifically, the study aims to investigate the mechanical properties of this composite. Mohair has previously been identified as a fiber many times stronger than a strand of steel of similar dimensions. Incorporating these highly desirable properties of Mohair into an epoxy matrix is one of the novel aspects of this research. The testing procedure begins with the preparation of ASTM molds, concurrent treatment of the fibers, and the preparation of the binding material. Specimens are created both with and without the addition of electrical glass (E- glass) fibers. The next phase is curing, during which the epoxy is allowed to solidify, forming strong bonds. Once developed and cured, the composites are removed from their molds and undergo post-processing and finishing techniques. This study aims to understand the tensile and flexural characteristics of natural fiber composites reinforced with epoxy. Three fiber orientations—uniaxial, biaxial, and criss-cross—are employed to assess the changes in the mechanical properties of the composites. The results indicate that adding E-glass fibers in alternating layers of the composite significantly enhances both tensile and flexural strength. Statistically, the addition of the biaxial arrangement of fibers with E-glass fibers results in an 18.47% improvement in ultimate tensile strength, while the maximum flexural strength increases by 49.90%. Furthermore, the topography of the cracked surface is examined using field emission scanning electron microscopy, and the breaking of the fibers in all three directions is studied.

Crystal Structure, Microstructure, and Dielectric and Electrical Properties of Ceramic Material Prepared Using Volcanic Ash

In the present work, the electrical and dielectric properties of ceramic samples prepared from volcanic ash were investigated. For this purpose, ceramic samples were prepared using milled volcanic ash with a binder material at a sintering temperature of 950 °C for 2 h. The chemical content of the milled volcanic ash was investigated using XRF. Differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetry were performed to determine the firing conditions. The crystalline phases and microstructures of the ceramic samples were investigated using XRD and SEM, respectively. Finally, the electrical and dielectric properties of the obtained samples were evaluated at a frequency ranging from 1 × 102 to 4 × 106 Hz and temperatures ranging from room temperature to 800 °C. The XRD results revealed that the ceramic samples contained three main phases: albite, hematite, and augite. Moreover, the microstructures of the samples exhibited a large crystal size with a dense surface. The conductivities and dielectric constants of the samples remained stable up to 500 °C. The real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant decreased with an increase in frequency and increased with an increase in temperature. The results indicated that ceramics based on volcanic ash are promising for use in technological applications such as high-voltage power insulators.

Alkali activated steel slag – oil composites: Towards resource efficiency and CO2 neutrality

This study describes advances in high-performance construction material development using a minimum of primary resources while enabling simultaneous CO2 sequestration capacities. Two so far unutilized Austrian steel slags were combined with metakaolin and vegetable oil to produce alkali-activated materials exhibiting high compressive and flexural strength of up to 94 MPa and 13 MPa, respectively. This approach enabled a reduction in primary mineral resources of up to 82 wt%, with an average reduction in global warming potential (GWP) of 52 % compared to a traditional high-performance Portland cement material. Oil addition led to the formation of mainly water unsolvable metal soap phases precipitating within the pore spaces without significantly altering the phase assemblage and chemistry of the binder matrix, but further reducing the GWP by 74 %. The (heavy metal) leaching behavior coincides with that of traditional concrete materials and was even further reduced by the addition of oil.

Upgrading physico-mechanical characteristics and bacterial resistivity for cementless pastes modified with ZnAl2O4 nano-spinel: A comparative study with ZnO

The significant negative impact of embedding nano-ZnO in cementitious materials on setting-time and compressive-strength limited its application despite its remarkable self-cleaning properties. Therefore, this study presents a proposal to employ nano-ZnAl2O4-spinel instead of nano-ZnO in an attempt to eliminate such defects while maintaining self-cleaning behaviour. Seven mixes were prepared: alkali-activated slag (AAS, control, 0 wt%nano-particles), while other specimens were modified with 0.25, 0.5 and 1 wt% nano-ZnO or nano-ZnAl2O4-spinel. The results proved the efficacy of nano-ZnAl2O4-spinel in shortening setting-time and improving the compressive-strength at early/later ages compared to nano-ZnO. The AAS-modified with 0.5 wt%nano-ZnAl2O4-spinel (optimum dose) have an acceptable setting-time (within standard limit) and the highest compressive-strength in between AAS (control) and other modified with nano-ZnO. The XRD showed that forming Zn(OH)2 (isolated-barrier) and zinc-alumino-silicate-hydrate is the reason behind the retardation effect and inadequate compressive strength of AAS-modified with nano-ZnO. The TGA/DTG and SEM clarified that the filling/nucleation-site/reactivity effects (high surface-area) of nano-ZnAl2O4-spinel cause generating a massive amount from various strength-giving-phases that form compact structures. Regarding the antimicrobial activity, the specimens containing nano-ZnAl2O4-spinel have a superior bacterial resistivity similar to others containing nano-ZnO. Finally, it is concluded that nano-ZnAl2O4-spinel is preferred to nano-ZnO in developing self-cleaning binding materials with acceptable fresh/hardened properties.

Utilization of Buton Granular Asphalt (BGA) as Asphalt and Filler Content Substitution Material – in Asphalt Concrete Mixture- Wearing Course

Roads are one of the infrastructure that is urgently needed in improving the accessibility of an area and has a crucial role as a connecting infrastructure that facilitates the transportation of people and goods. This road must be able to handle the volume of traffic according to the plan, so planning must ensure smooth transportation. Asbuton can be used as a binding material on road pavements. However, the use of buton asphalt as a road construction material in Indonesia has not had a significant impact on infrastructure development carried out by the government. The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of Marshall’s test value using Buton Granural Asphalt as a substitute for filler and Fine Aggregate in the mixture of Asphalt Concrete – Wearing Course (AC – WC). The type of data used is primary data obtained from laboratory test results and secondary data obtained from SNI Bina Marga 2018 rev.2. The results showed that with the addition of 19% BGA (Buton Granular Asphalt) as a filler and fine aggregate material, the stability of the mixture could be increased up to 2369,8 kg with the addition of BGA, when compared to aggregate without BGA, the stability value was higher. Based on the test of the characteristics of the 0% BGA mixture marshall obtained a density value of 2,304 t/m³, stability of 1240,6 kg, fatigue of 3.4 mm, Marshall Quotient (MQ) of 366,0 kg/mm, VMA of 16,3%, VFB of 76.2%, VIM of 3.9%. Marshall testing on a mixture of 19% BGA obtained a density value of 2325,0 t/m³, Stability of 2369,8 kg, Fatigue of 3.4 mm, Marshall Quotient(MQ) of 697,1 kg/mm, VMA of 15,4%, VFB of 80,0%, VIM of 3.1%. All test parameters meet the standards set out in the 2018 General Bina Marga specification for revision 2 road and bridge construction work, so that AC-WC asphalt concrete with 0% and 19% BGA substitution can be used.