Matrix Asphalt Research Articles

Research on the Performance and Application of High-Performance PE Composite Modified Asphalt

The large-scale production of waste plastics has brought serious environmental pollution problems and its recycling and high value-added utilization technology remains a global challenge. Therefore, this study uses waste polyethylene (PE) to prepare high-performance polyethylene composite modified asphalt (HPEA), solving the problem of poor stability and low temperature performance of traditional plastic modified asphalt, while achieving high value-added utilization of waste plastics. A high-performance polyethylene composite modifier (HPE) was prepared through mechanochemical and thermochemical interactions. Then HPEA with different HPE content and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified asphalt (SBSMA) with different SBS content were prepared. Compare and analyze the conventional performance, storage stability, anti-aging performance and microscopic properties of HPEA and SBSMA. The results are as follows: (1) the conventional performance of HPEA is comparable to, or superior to, that of SBSMA. The addition of HPE resulted in a significant decrease in asphalt penetration. The modification effect achieved by adding 3–5% SBS to Kunlun 70# asphalt is equivalent to that achieved by incorporating 4–6% HPE. (2) HEPA exhibits good storage stability and no obvious segregation phenomenon. When the HPE content changes from 4% to 8%, the maximum difference in 48 h softening point of HPEA is 1.1 °C, which is significantly smaller than the 48 h softening point difference of SBSMA when the SBS content changes from 3% to 5%. (3) When HPE attains a specific concentration, HPEA can exhibit an anti-aging performance that is comparable to, or superior to, that of SBSMA. (4) The infrared spectrum of HPEA closely resembles that of SK70# matrix asphalt. The modification of HPEA primarily involves physical blending, with HPE undergoing development and re-crosslinking within the system, leading to interactions between smaller particles and asphalt, resulting in the formation of a relatively stable three-dimensional spatial structure.

Physical Properties, Chemical Structure, and Microstructure of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Recycled Material-Modified Asphalt

Firstly, thermoplastic polyurethane recycled material (TPRM) particles were used to prepare modified asphalt. Then, the modified asphalt’s physical properties were investigated. The results show that the TPRM particles improved its high-temperature performance, low-temperature crack resistance, and shear behavior due to its increased cohesion and low-temperature fracture energy levels. Thermal susceptibility was affected by the degree of swelling and dissolution of the TPRM particles, the composition of the asphalt, and the interface effect between the asphalt molecules and both the regular and slender–irregular TPRM particles. The TPRM particles swelled and dissolved after absorbing the light components of asphalt. Changes in the shearing temperature and time made the TPRM particles swell and dissolve more than changes in the activation temperature and time. An increase in the shearing/activation temperature and time increased the hydrogen bond content in the modified asphalt due to the rearrangement of the polyurethane’s molecular structure and the hydrogen bonds formed by the asphaltene and polyurethane molecules. Slender–irregular TPRM and “sea–island” and hilly and gulley structures were found in the modified asphalt matrix.

Toward Sustainable Non‐Emitting Asphalts: Understanding Diffusion–Adsorption Mechanisms of Hazardous Organic Compounds

AbstractAdvancing sustainable materials requires addressing their environmental impacts, particularly emissions. This study contributes to the development of sustainable, non‐emitting asphalt by providing a detailed understanding of the diffusion and adsorption behaviors of hazardous organic compounds (HOCs) emitted from asphalt. Using molecular simulations and quantum analysis, it is investigated how the diffusion and adsorption characteristics of sulfur‐ and oxygen‐containing HOCs change as aging progresses in asphalt. The results show that oxidation reduces the diffusion rate of HOCs and increases their adsorption energy. Dispersion forces and electrostatic attractions are key mechanisms stabilizing HOCs within the asphalt matrix. As oxidation progresses, hydrogen bonding and polar interactions between asphaltenes and highly polar HOCs become dominant. Among the asphalt components, asphaltenes, followed by resins, have the most significant impact on HOC binding. Additionally, non‐aromatic HOCs exhibit higher diffusion rates than aromatic HOCs. These findings provide crucial insights into the emission mechanisms of asphalt over its service life and offer guidance for designing future, sustainable, emission‐free asphalts. By reducing harmful emissions, this research contributes to pollution control, improved air quality, and the broader goal of sustainable pavement development.

Retraction notice to “Experimental investigation of performance properties of asphalt binder and stone matrix asphalt mixture using waste material and warm mix additive” Constr. Build. Mater. 368 (2023) 130397

Retraction notice to “Experimental investigation of performance properties of asphalt binder and stone matrix asphalt mixture using waste material and warm mix additive” Constr. Build. Mater. 368 (2023) 130397

Retraction notice to “The effects of gilsonite and crumb rubber on moisture damage resistance of stone matrix asphalt mixtures” [Constr. Build. Mater. 274 (2021) 122052

Retraction notice to “The effects of gilsonite and crumb rubber on moisture damage resistance of stone matrix asphalt mixtures” [Constr. Build. Mater. 274 (2021) 122052

Retraction notice to “Experimental investigation of the influence of Nano TiO2 on rheological properties of binders and performance of stone matrix asphalt mixtures containing steel slag aggregate” [Constr. Build. Mater. 265 (2020) 120750

Retraction notice to “Experimental investigation of the influence of Nano TiO2 on rheological properties of binders and performance of stone matrix asphalt mixtures containing steel slag aggregate” [Constr. Build. Mater. 265 (2020) 120750

Retraction notice to “Laboratory evaluation of rheological behavior of binder and performance of stone matrix asphalt (SMA) mixtures containing zycotherm nanotechnology, sasobit, and rheofalt warm mixture additives” [Constr. Build. Mater. 262 (2020) 120757

Retraction notice to “Laboratory evaluation of rheological behavior of binder and performance of stone matrix asphalt (SMA) mixtures containing zycotherm nanotechnology, sasobit, and rheofalt warm mixture additives” [Constr. Build. Mater. 262 (2020) 120757

Retraction notice to “Evaluation of the effect of carbon nano tube on water damage resistance of Stone matrix asphalt mixtures containing polyphosphoric acid and styrene butadiene rubber” [Constr. Build. Mater. 261 (2020) 119946

Retraction notice to “Evaluation of the effect of carbon nano tube on water damage resistance of Stone matrix asphalt mixtures containing polyphosphoric acid and styrene butadiene rubber” [Constr. Build. Mater. 261 (2020) 119946

Texture and skid resistance of asphalt mixtures with crumb rubber: laboratory assessment

ABSTRACT The skid resistance of asphalt pavements is related to pavement texture. Also, the addition of crumb rubber (CR) from end-of-life tires could improve friction, although this aspect of CR pavements has not been sufficiently studied. In this study, three types of mixtures were produced, a semi-dense mixture AC, a stone matrix asphalt SMA mixture, and an open-graded mixture BBTM. Each one was tested with three percentages of CR: 0.0, 0.75, and 1.50%. The surface of these mixtures was worn and polished in successive stages. At each stage, the macrotexture and microtexture data were obtained using a laser texturometer, and the skid resistance was measured using the British Pendulum Test (BPT). From these data, prediction models for the British Pendulum Number (BPN) value were adjusted based on macrotexture, microtexture, and CR content. According to these models, the microtexture of the pavement influences the BPN value more than the macrotexture for all types of mixtures studied. In addition, CR explains part of the BPN value of skid resistance in the SMA mixture and in the open-graded BBTM mixture. As for the semi-dense mixture, the presence of CR does not seem to significantly influence the skid resistance.

Evaluation of different functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified asphalts

To improve the aging resistance and prolong the service life of asphalt pavement, this study utilized modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with carboxyl (MWCNTs-COOH), hydroxyl (MWCNTs-OH), and amino (MWCNTs-NH2) groups. These nanotubes were incorporated into SBS-modified asphalt at a concentration of 1%. The study sought to examine the impact of MWCNTs and their functional groups on asphalt’s rheological and anti-aging characteristics, alongside exploring their modification mechanisms. The findings indicated that rheological tests showed that MWCNTs/SBS composite-modified asphalt, particularly MWCNTs-OH/SBS, exhibited remarkable resistance to hightemperature deformation, a crucial characteristic for asphalt performance in hot climates. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the addition of MWCNTs led to an increase in asphalt’s creep strength and creep rate, which could potentially reduce its resistance to low-temperature cracking. However, the covalent functionalization of MWCNTs mitigated these adverse effects on low-temperature performance. Moreover, the inclusion of MWCNTs in asphalt served as a barrier, impeding the penetration of oxygen molecules and ultraviolet radiation into the asphalt matrix. This proved to be an effective means of inhibiting the aging process, a critical factor in extending the service life of asphalt pavement. Among the different formulations of MWCNTs modified asphalt, the MWCNTs-OH/SBS composite-modified asphalt exhibited notably effective anti-aging properties. Both rheological and anti-aging evaluations demonstrated that hydroxyl functional groups played a pivotal role in enhancing performance, chiefly by fostering interactions with asphalt molecules.

The effect of rubber powder on asphalt adhesion and resistance to ultraviolet ageing

The addition of rubber powder (RP) to asphalt can improve its performance, thereby prolonging the pavement's service life. The properties of a matrix asphalt and asphalts modified with styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer (SBS), RP and SBS/RP composite after ultraviolet ageing (UVA) were studied in this work. Various characterisation methods were used to evaluate the surface free energy (SFE) and rheological properties. The UVA mechanism was explored through changes in functional groups. The experimental results showed that adding RP improved the anti-UVA property of asphalt. Notably, after 2–4 days of UVA, the RP-modified asphalt showed improved adhesion properties, with a remarkable 164.6% increase in SFE. The complex modulus of the modified asphalt was also enhanced by short-term UVA. However, long-term exposure to UV radiation resulted in reduced non-recoverable creep compliance compared with the control asphalt. Furthermore, carbonyl groups in both the RP-modified and SBS-modified asphalt exhibited minimal changes due to the effects of UVA. For the base asphalt and the SBS-modified asphalt, the addition of RP improved adhesion and delayed UVA. The findings of this work provide valuable theoretical insights into the use of RP for enhancing the UV resistance of asphalt.

Stability/instability analysis of advanced nanocomposite-reinforced bridge asphalt mixtures at low temperatures: Verification of the results via AI-driven approach

This study investigates the stability/instability analysis of advanced nanocomposite-reinforced bridge asphalt mixtures under low-temperature conditions, incorporating a fractional viscoelastic plate model for more accurate simulation of time-dependent material behavior. The nanoclay reinforcement is introduced into the asphalt matrix to enhance its mechanical properties, particularly improving the stiffness and thermal stability, which are critical for the long-term performance of bridge structures. The fractional viscoelastic plate formulation captures the complex viscoelastic behavior of the reinforced asphalt at low temperatures, where traditional models may fall short in accounting for the intricate time-dependent response of the material. The stability/instability analysis is conducted to assess the behavior of the nanocomposite asphalt mixtures under varying temperature conditions. The analysis identifies critical conditions leading to structural instability, ensuring the durability of bridge decks exposed to severe thermal environments. The results are validated using an AI-driven approach, leveraging machine learning algorithms to model the response of the nanocomposite asphalt mixtures more effectively. The AI model is trained using experimental data and computational simulations, with hyperparameters, such as learning rates, neural network architectures, and optimization techniques carefully selected to optimize prediction accuracy. The findings offer valuable insights into the performance of nanoclay-reinforced asphalt mixtures for bridge applications, with the AI-driven verification enhancing the reliability and applicability of the proposed models in practical engineering scenarios.

Enhancement of Anti-UV Aging Performance of Asphalt Modified by UV-531/Pigment Violet Composite Light Stabilizers

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation accelerates the aging of asphalt pavements and shortens the service life of the pavement. To effectively mitigate the impact of UV aging on asphalt performance, a novel composite anti-UV aging agent, 2-hydroxy-4-n-octyoxybenzophenone/pigment violet (UV-531/PV), was developed. After UV-accelerated aging, the modified asphalt samples were characterized by conventional performance tests, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). The results show that UV-531/PV-composite-modified asphalt maintains excellent conventional properties after UV aging. The FTIR testing showed that the changes in carbonyl index (Ic=o) and sulfoxide index (Is=o) of the composite-modified asphalt were significantly smaller than those of the matrix asphalt, indicating the less oxidation degree of the composite-modified asphalt. The GPC test results showed that the change in molecular weight of the composite-modified asphalt after UV aging was less than that of the matrix asphalt. DSR results showed that UV-531/PV-modified asphalt exhibited higher viscoelasticity and higher rutting resistance than unmodified asphalt. This study proposes a new method for preparing anti-UV aging asphalt, which can be used for micro-surfacing, fog sealing or ultra-thin overlay on road surfaces.

Self-powered asphalt-based sensors for smart roads

Monitoring traffic conditions and pavement structures is essential for intelligent transportation systems. However, conventional sensors have limitations, including poor compatibility with pavement and high maintenance costs. Here, we present the concept of transforming asphalt from a pavement structural component to a sensing component and demonstrate its application in smart road systems. The functional asphalt was customized by adding piezoelectric materials into the asphalt matrix. We optimized its piezoelectric properties by improving the fabrication process and measured the electrical performance of the asphalt-based sensors. In the traffic monitoring experiment, we developed a system incorporating data acquisition, signal processing, and wireless transmission functions to capture tire-ground contact information. The details, such as speed and wheelbase, are decoded by a feature extraction algorithm and input into a support vector machine (SVM) classification model for training and testing. The model reaches a test accuracy of 97 % in training a small-sample dataset. In addition, the self-powered asphalt-based sensor showed its feasibility and potential in the verification experiments of acoustic source localization (error = 2.4 %) and energy harvesting. Our work proposes a low-cost, environmentally friendly, multifunctional material suitable for road sensors, potentially facilitating the large-scale implementation of smart road networks.

The Effect of a Zeolite Addition to Modified Bitumen on the Properties of Stone Matrix Asphalt Lärmarmer Mixtures Produced as Warm Mix Asphalt.

This paper presents the properties of an SMA LA (stone matrix asphalt Lärmarmer) mixture based on the polymer-modified binder PMB 45/80-55, formed by the addition of zeolites (synthetic zeolite type Na-P1 and natural zeolite-clinoptilolite). The compositions of the SMA 11, SMA 8 LA and SMA 11 LA mixtures based on modified bitumen with PMB 45/80-55 (reference mixture) or PMB 45/80-55 with Na-P1 or clinoptilolite were determined. Their resistance to permanent deformation, water sensitivity, water permeability and susceptibility to changes in texture and skid resistance during the period of use were verified. Adding zeolites reduced the production temperature by as much as 15 °C for the SMA 11 LA mixtures and 20 °C for SMA 8 LA. The addition of zeolites did not significantly affect the resistance to permanent deformation, the water permeability or the mass loss. The mixtures with clinoptilolite were resistant to the harmful effects of water, while the mixtures with Na-P1 proved more sensitive to water. Water permeability tests showed a higher permeability for SMA 11 LA compared to SMA 8 LA due to the higher nominal aggregate size. The Cantabro test showed greater particle loss for SMA 11 LA than for SMA 8 LA. A skid resistance and macrotexture analysis indicated that the SMA LA layers required special maintenance on the road due to the clogging of pores in the mix structure.

Assessment of the rheological behavior of bitumen modified with solutions of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs)

Numerous studies have provided compelling evidence regarding the enhanced mechanical properties of bitumen through the incorporation of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). However, achieving a uniform dispersion of GNP remains a significant challenge due to the strong Van der Waals interactions that promote nanoparticle agglomeration. Consequently, optimizing the GNPs dispersion process is critically important to fully exploit their potential in asphalt applications. In this investigation, the first phase concentrated on maximizing GNP dispersion in distilled water by conducting experiments employing various surfactant ratios, surfactant types, and ultrasonication durations. Subsequently, the second phase involved the incorporation of the optimally dispersed GNPs solution into bitumen using a high-shear mixer. The modified bitumen underwent comprehensive characterization, including softening point, needle penetration, dynamic viscosity, storage stability, and Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) tests. Furthermore, the study aimed to assess the impact of two specific surfactants, Sodium Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonate (SDBS) and Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB), on bitumen properties. The results underscored the effectiveness of the experimentally optimized GNPs solution in facilitating the dispersion and stability of GNPs within the asphalt matrix. The incorporation of GNPs exhibited enhancements in rutting resistance and fatigue resistance. Moreover, the investigation confirmed the influence of SDBS and CTAB on the performance of bitumen.

Study on the properties and self-healing ability of asphalt and asphalt mixture containing methanol-modified melamine-formaldehyde microcapsules

Methanol-modified melamine-formaldehyde (MMF) microcapsules have been demonstrated as feasible for asphalt applications. However, the full range of their effects on asphalt and asphalt mixture performance remains unclear. To systematically address this, this paper synthesized MMF microcapsules via in situ polymerization and evaluated their impact on the temperature sensitivity, self-healing capacity, and fatigue resistance of both asphalt and asphalt mixtures. Additionally, three potential environmental factors (damage degree, healing time and healing temperature) influencing the self-healing ability of asphalt mixtures containing MMF microcapsules were assessed. The findings show that incorporating microcapsules enhanced the self-healing rates of asphalt and asphalt mixtures by 73.6 % and 119.2 %, respectively. While there was a moderate reduction in the low-temperature performance, the microcapsules contributed positively to anti-aging properties, fatigue resistance, and particularly high-temperature performance, evidenced by a 30.6 % increase in dynamic stability compared to matrix asphalt. Among the environmental factors considered, damage severity had the most significant effect on self-healing, leading to a notable reduction in healing rates.

ZnO doped PAMAM for asphalt improvement as anti-corrosive coatings

Asphalt is widely used as a coating resin due to its excellent adhesion strength and cost-effectiveness; however, its limited corrosion protection necessitates enhancement. In this study, poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM), combined with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, was incorporated into the asphalt matrix to improve its anticorrosive properties. Various ratios of PAMAM-ZnO nanocomposite (1, 2, 4, and 6% by weight) were added to the asphalt binder, with the materials characterized using XRD, ¹H-NMR, and SEM techniques. The 2% PAMAM-ZnO/asphalt ratio exhibited the most significant improvement, achieving a corrosion protection efficiency (η%) of 97.93%, as confirmed by Tafel analysis, and a charge transport resistance (RCT) of 75.91 Ω cm² according to electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data. A combination of barrier formation and sacrificial protection drives the corrosion inhibition mechanism. The PAMAM-ZnO nanocomposite forms a highly uniform layer on the carbon steel surface, creating an effective physical barrier that prevents the penetration of corrosive agents, thereby minimizing defects like pinholes. This barrier effect is complemented by the sacrificial protection provided by the ZnO nanoparticles, which are more reactive than the underlying steel and preferentially interact with corrosive ions (e.g., chloride ions). This interaction leads to the formation of stable ZnO corrosion products, which enhance the barrier and reduce the likelihood of corrosion on the steel surface. Additionally, PAMAM facilitates the even distribution and strong adhesion of ZnO within the asphalt matrix, ensuring a durable protective layer. The synergic impact between the polymer barrier and sacrificial ZnO protection results in the exceptional corrosion resistance observed in the 2% PAMAM-ZnO/asphalt formulation, offering a promising approach for advanced anticorrosive coatings.

Mechanical evaluation of the influence of textile fiber in stone matrix asphalt mixtures under moisture damage

Mechanical evaluation of the influence of textile fiber in stone matrix asphalt mixtures under moisture damage

Effects of ultraviolet and thermal oxygen ageing on the rheological properties of SEBS/MWCNTs composite-modified asphalt

To enhance the anti-ageing properties of asphalt binder, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) were used to create a composite-modified asphalt (CMA). The ageing resistance was assessed through rheological property changes, using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) for various tests. FTIR spectroscopy analyzed the ageing mechanism. The results showed that CMA exhibited significantly better rutting resistance than matrix and SBS asphalt. Although the fatigue life of CMA was lower than SBS asphalt, ist was still dramatically higher than matrix asphalt. MWCNTs reduced the low-temperature relaxation performance of unaged asphalt. Notably, CMA showed superior ageing resistance against both thermal oxygen and UV ageing, with decreases of about 30% and 28% in the UV ageing index and long-term ageing index, respectively, compared to matrix asphalt. The carbonyl and sulfoxide indices increased after ageing, with the composite containing 3% SEBS demonstrating optimal ageing resistance and road performance.