ABSTRACT. This pilot study aims to develop a self-healing asphalt through microwave heating, to reduce processing time, save energy and allow real commercial applications in a near future. Asphalt based composites were produced with different percentages of steel short fibers, obtained from the cutlery industry, to serve as a heat source for microwave radiation. Structural characteristics, morphology, and thermic behavior of the short steel fibers were characterized through X-ray Diffraction, X-ray Fluorescence, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Thermogravimetric Analysis, that was also used to verify the relation between mass variation and temperature of the asphalt-based composite. Temperature was monitored during micro wave heating to determine the heating rate of the composites with different percentage of fibers. Brookfield viscosity, penetration, ductility, softening point and density tests were carried out to characterize physical properties of the most representative asphalt-based composite. Results show the feasibility to use microwave heating in the production of the composite, indicating potential for future application as self-healing asphalt and pavement repair.Keywords: waste; bitumen; characterization; cutlery; temperature.Produção de asfalto auto cicatrizante com fibras curtas de aço e aquecimento por microondas: estudo piloto RESUMO. Este estudo piloto visa desenvolver um asfalto auto cicatrizável através de aquecimento por micro-ondas, buscando reduzir tempo de processamento, economizar energia e permitir aplicações reais em um futuro próximo. Os compósitos foram produzidos com diferentes porcentagens de fibras curtas de aço obtidas da indústria da cutelaria, que foram introduzidas no asfalto com o objetivo de servir como fonte de calor, permitindo assim o aquecimento por micro-ondas. Características estruturais, morfologia e comportamento térmico das fibras curtas de aço foram obtidos por meio de difração de Raios-X, Fluorescência de Raios-X, Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e Análise Térmica (TGA), que também foi utilizada para verificar a variação da massa do compósito com a temperatura. A temperatura do compósito foi monitorada durante o aquecimento para determinação da taxa de aquecimento em função da porcentagem de fibras. Ensaios foram realizados para determinar viscosidade Brookfield, penetração, ductilidade, ponto de amolecimento e densidade, permitindo assim a caracterização das propriedades físicas da amostra mais representativa do compósito. Os resultados mostram a viabilidade do aquecimento por micro-ondas para produção do compósito, indicando potencial para futuras aplicações como asfalto auto cicatrizável e reparo de pavimentos.

A glass foam (GF) of high specific compressive strength (12.17±1.91 MPa g−1 cm−3) and low thermal conductivity (.121±.001 Wm−1 K−1) was produced from waste glass of photovoltaic module, eggshells, and bentonite clay. The influences of the amount of clay and heat‐treatment temperature on the GFs final properties were assessed. X‐ray diffraction results and the data of microscopic analyses demonstrated that addition of clay affected the structure and porosity of the GFs, and consequently their mechanical properties. On the basis of the mechanical property (density), the GF that composed of 80% waste glass, 10% clay, and 10% eggshell at the sintering temperature of 900°C was the best. The GFs reported in this study could serve as promising insulators in situations where high load support is required.