Impact of Nano Materials on the Properties of Asphalt Cement

Abstract

Traditional pavement materials are difficult to meet the realistic specifications of current and future highway pavement design requirements. Crude oil refineries with different sizes and efficiencies produce Asphalt cements (rheological and physical) which sometimes need modifications according to the pavement type, environment condition and site requirements. The interest of researchers in nanotechnology applications, particularly in the field of pavement materials, has increased over the last decade. In the present research Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3) and Silica Oxide (Si2O3) were used as Nano material modifiers to investigate their effects on Asphalt cement properties. Three percentages (3, 5, and 7%) by weight from both of them were mixed with asphalt type 40/50 penetration grade obtained from Lanas/Erbil refinery. Rheological and physical properties were investigated for all samples in the laboratory. Results showed that both Nano (silica and alumina) decreased the penetration value by (5) percent and increase the ductility value and softening point temperature. Furthermore, rotational viscosity and stiffness of the modified Asphalt cement found to be increasing gradually with adding more percentages of Nano materials, while temperature sensitivity decreases. Results also recommended that adding (5%) by weight for both Nano materials considered as optimum amount. Low productivity obtained at low and intermediate temperatures mixing Nanoparticles to the asphalt binder.

Keywords

• nano technology
• nano silica
• nano alumina
• rheological and physical properties
• modified asphalt
• viscosity