Experimental Investigation into the Structural and Functional Performance of Graphene Nano-Platelet (GNP)-Doped Asphalt

Abstract

With the increase in the demand for bitumen, it has become essential for pavement engineers to ensure that construction of sustainable pavements occurs. For a complete analysis of the pavement, both its structural and functional performances are considered. In this study, a novel material (i.e., Graphene Nano-Platelets (GNPs)) has been used to enhance both of the types of pavements’ performances. Two percentages of GNPs (i.e., 2% and 4% by the weight of the binder) were used for the modification of asphalt binder in order to achieve the desired Performance Grade. GNPs were homogeneously dispersed in the asphalt binder, which was validated by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images and a Hot Storage Stability Test. To analyze the structural performance of the GNPs-doped asphalt, its rheology, resistance to permanent deformation, resistance to moisture damage, and bitumen-aggregate adhesive bond strength were studied. For the analysis of the functional performance, the skid resistance and polishing effect were studied using a British Pendulum Skid Resistance Tester. The results showed that GNPs improved not only the rutting resistance of the pavement but also its durability. The high surface area of GNPs increases the pavement’s bonding strength and makes the asphalt binder stiffer. GNPs also provide nano-texture to the pavement, which enhances its skid resistance. Thus, we can recommend GNPs as an all-around modifier that could improve not only the structural performance but also the functional performance of asphalt pavements.

Special Issue on Nano-Modified Asphalt Binders and Mixtures to Enhance Pavement Performance

“…A new material Graphene Nano-Platelets (GNPs), has been used to enhance pavements' structural and functional performances [4]. The results showed that GNPs improved not only the rutting resistance of the pavement but also its durability.…”

Microwave Healing Performance of Asphalt Mixture Containing Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Slag and Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs)

“…Recently, carbon and graphene family nanomaterials have been used for asphalt modification [47], such as graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). The addition of GNP in the mixture leads to an improvement in flexural strength at low temperatures, better performance at high temperatures [48] and easier compaction [49]. However, only a few studies focused on the microwave heating and healing efficiency of asphalt mixture containing graphene nanomaterials.…”

Self-Healing Analysis of Half-Warm Asphalt Mixes Containing Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Slag and Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Using a Novel Thermomechanical Healing Treatment

“…The cohesive and adhesive bonding interactions of asphalt-aggregate systems are strongly influenced by the Lifshitz-van der Waals interactions, and the acid-base interaction components [14]. Some examples of self-healing asphalt pavement technologies commonly mentioned in the literature review that possess the potential to reverse the fracture failure process and restore the loss in the mechanical performance properties (e.g., stiffness and strength) and functionality suffered by the asphalt pavements during their service life include (but are not limited to these solutions): (1) Encapsulated chemical products containing rejuvenator oil agents to repair broken bonds due to the accumulated micro-crack damage caused by the fatigue cracking process [15][16][17]; (2) magnetic induction heating technique in combination with conductive materials (e.g., steel wool, steel fibers, metal particles, carbon black, and graphite) to speed up the asphalt healing process [18][19][20][21][22][23]; (3) infrared heating technique [24][25][26]; (4) microwave radiation heating energy in combination with ferrous particle aggregates (EAF slag) in order to accelerate the heating and healing capability of the asphalt mixtures [27][28][29][30]; (5) the addition of Nanomaterials into the asphalt mixture design, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs), and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs); the GNPs nanoparticles especially improve the resistance to permanent deformation, moisture damage, skid resistance [31], flexural strength at low temperatures, and increase the cohesion recovery ratios of the mixtures [32]; and (6) industrial microwave heating applications through a mobile microwave power unit for pavement maintenance works [33,34], with emphasis being placed on recycling techniques for surface layers [35].…”