Rheological Properties of Graphene/Polyethylene Composite Modified Asphalt Binder

Abstract

Aiming to improve the comprehensive road performance of asphalt binders, especially the high-temperature performance, a novel asphalt binder was prepared by compounding high-quality and low-cost polyethylene (PE) with graphene (GNPs) using a high-speed shearing machine. The rheological properties and interaction mechanism of PE/GNPs composite modified asphalt were investigated using temperature sweep (TeS), multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR), linear amplitude sweep (LAS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The experimental results demonstrated that GNPs and PE can synergistically improve the high-temperature performance of asphalt binders and enhance the rutting resistance of pavements; the pre-blended PE/GNPs masterbatch has good medium-temperature fatigue and low-temperature cracking resistance. Meanwhile, PE/GNPs dispersed uniformly in the asphalt matrix, and the microstructure and dispersion of premixed PE/GNPs masterbatch facilitated the asphalt modification. No new absorption peaks appeared in the FT-IR spectra of the composite modified asphalt, indicating that asphalt binders were physically modified with GNPs and PE. These findings may cast light on the feasibility of polyethylene/graphene composite for asphalt modification.

Study on Rheological Properties of Graphene Oxide/Rubber Crowd Composite-Modified Asphalt

“…GO can significantly improve the deformation resistance of matrix asphalt at high temperature [8][9][10][11]. Since GO is a layered structure and has its own superior strength and stiffness, the rheological properties of GO to asphalt under the action of temperature and load has an improvement effect [12]. The addition of GO can change the ratio between the original components of asphalt, increase the ratio of asphaltenes and colloids, and improve its colloidal stability [13].…”

Bituminous Binder and Bituminous Mixture Modified with Waste Polyethylene

“…Recently, several studies used the MSCR tests to evaluate the anti-rutting properties of binders modified with waste PE [26][27][28][29][30]. These investigations reported benefits regarding the elastic response with the addition of PE up to 6% by weight of bituminous binder, lowering the composite's unrecovered strain under high temperatures.…”

“…Additionally, the stress sensitivity of the binders modified with waste PE was analyzed based on the percent difference in non-recoverable compliances (J nr,diff ). Zhou et al [30] indicated that reduced stress sensitivity with the presence of PE in the bituminous binder. However, this trend was not observed by Nuñez et al [29].…”

Modified Asphalt with Graphene-Enhanced Polymeric Compound: A Case Study

“…In this regard, there have been numerous studies of PMAs produced with several types of additives [37][38][39][40][41][42]. Among them, worthy of mention are the PMAs produced with unmodified bitumen and compounds made of graphene and selected recycled hard plastics [43][44][45]. In particular, these compounds generally improve the mechanical performance of the material and increase its durability [43,46].…”