Open AccessEnhancement of Asphalt Performance by Graphene-Based Bitumen Nanocomposites
Author(s) -
Sara Moghtadernejad,
Ehsan Barjasteh,
Ren Nagata,
Haia Malabeh
Publication year - 2021
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.31979/mti.2021.1918
Subject(s) - asphalt , materials science , graphene , rheology , composite material , polymer , rigidity (electromagnetism) , nanocomposite , polymer nanocomposite , nanotechnology
As the State of California continues to grow, demand for enhanced infrastructure such as roadways and highways escalates. In view of the current average highway lifespan of 15–20 years, the improvement of asphalt binders leads to material sustainability by decreasing required maintenance and increasing the lifespan of roadways. In the present investigation, enhancement of asphalt binder properties was achieved by different methods of mixing varying compositions of graphene nanoparticles with an SBS polymer and asphalt binder. Additionally, experimental evaluation and comparison of the rheological and mechanical properties of each specimen is presented. Graphene nanoparticles have attracted great curiosity in the field of highway materials due to their incredible rigidity, even in small quantities. Addition of as little as 1.0%nanoparticles in combination with polymers in an asphalt binder is expected to increase the rigidity of the material while also maintaining the beneficial polymer characteristics. Evaluation of the effect of the mixing design established that the methods for application of graphene to the polymer-modified asphalt binder are critical in the improvement of a roadway, resulting in resistance to premature aging and strain from constant road operation.