Results in Engineering (Dec 2024)
The role of nanomaterials in enhancing adhesion properties between bitumen and aggregate particles
Abstract
During production and construction stages of asphalt mixtures, rheology of bitumen must be set at certain level. In addition, the adhesion strength between bitumen and the aggregate particles should be high enough so that during the service life of the pavement, asphalt mixture can resist various distresses. There are different methods of controlling rheological properties of bitumen binders and increasing adhesion properties of asphalt mixtures. One of the most effective methods of modifying bitumen binders of asphalt mixtures is using nanomaterials. In this research, two bitumen types of 60/70 and 85/100 penetration grades, three aggregate types (limestone, siliceous, and granite) and four nanomaterials; namely, nanohydrated lime (NHL), nanosilica (NSiO2), nanolime (NCaCO3) and, nanoclay bentonite (NClay) were used at 2, 4, and 6 % of the weight of bitumen. X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence tests were performed and, microscopic images of thin-sections of aggregates and asphalt mixtures were taken with the aim of evaluating petrographic properties of aggregates and bonding characteristics of the bitumen binders with aggregate particles. Physical and rheological properties of the nano-modified bitumen binders were evaluated, performing dynamic shear rheometer and rotational viscometer tests. Boiling water and pull-off tests were also carried out in order to investigate the coating ability and the adhesion strength that is performed at the aggregate surface in the interface with the bitumen binders. Digital images were analyzed using Digimizer Software. The results indicated that the addition of nanomaterials at certain optimal percentage, affected viscosity and improved rheological behavior of bitumen binders at different temperatures; and, increase adhesion properties of the bitumen coating the aggregate particles. Comparing the effects of different aggregates, it resulted that the binder coating limestone aggregates performed better than the siliceous and the granite aggregates. Adhesion and rheological properties of the 60/70 pen bitumen that was modified with nanomaterials were better than those of the pure 85/100 pen bitumen. Nano-modified binders at 4 % NHL, or 2 % NSiO2, or 4 % NCaCO3, or 4 % NClay exhibited the best behavior. Among these, nano-modified binders containing 4 % NHL resulted in better performance. Finally, correlation between adhesion and rheological behavior of mixes were adequate for nano-modified binders in order to improve charcteristics of asphalt mixes at mixing operation and construction stages.
