Physicochemical and Rheological Properties of A Transparent Asphalt Binder Modified with Nano-TiO2

Abstract

Transparent binder is used to substitute conventional black asphalt binder and to provide light-colored pavements, whereas nano-TiO2 has the potential to promote photocatalytic and self-cleaning properties. Together, these materials provide multifunction effects and benefits when the pavement is submitted to high solar irradiation. This paper analyses the physicochemical and rheological properties of a transparent binder modified with 0.5%, 3.0%, 6.0%, and 10.0% of nano-TiO2 and compares it to the transparent base binder, and conventional and polymer modified binders (PMB) without nano-TiO2. Their penetration, softening point, dynamic viscosity, master curve, black diagram, Linear Amplitude Sweep (LAS), Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR), and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were obtained. The transparent binders (base and modified) seem to be workable considering their viscosity and exhibited values between the conventional binder and PMB regarding rutting resistance, penetration, and softening point. They showed similar behavior as the PMB, demonstrating signs of polymer-modification. The addition of TiO2 seems to reduce fatigue life, except for the 0.5% content. Nevertheless, its addition in high contents increases the rutting resistance. The TiO2 modification seems to have little effect on the chemical functional indices. The best percentage of TiO2 was 0.5%, considering fatigue and 10.0% concerning permanent deformation.

Laboratory Evaluation of Rheological Properties of Asphalt Binder Modified by Nano‐TiO2/CaCO3

“…is indicates that nano-TiO 2 /CaCO 3 would reduce the temperature sensitivity of bitumen. is may be because the light components in asphalt are absorbed by nanoparticles, which makes the resin and asphaltene in asphalt increase and the adhesive force increase [54]. e viscosity at 135°C (0.415 Pa•s) of nano-TiO 2 /CaCO 3modified bitumen does not exceed 3 Pa•s.…”