Nanotechnology Increases Durability, Performance of Asphalt | WPN World People News

In this research, the use of the combination and its effect on mechanical and physical properties of asphalt was studied and the optimum percentage was reported.

The use of various methods for the improvement of asphalt properties and performance has always been a challenge for civil engineers. Many studies have been carried out in recent years on the use of nanomaterials and fibers as a new approach. This research studies the simultaneous use of clay nanoparticles and polypropylene fibers on technical properties of Topeka layer of asphalt (the layer of asphalt that is in contact with the wheels of vehicles).

Results of the research may increase the life of asphalt and its resistance against damages, and consequently, they reduce the maintenance cost.

In this research, the effect of various parameters, including changes in resistance and flow and other technical parameters was studied on the presence of the materials, and the results showed an increase in the resistance but a decrease in the flow of the asphalt.

The presence of clay nanoparticles fills the space between large particles of tar, and increases the stability and compressing ability and load carrying of the asphalt. Moreover, the durability of the asphalt increases in the presence of polypropylene fibers. However, the excess increase of these materials decreases the flow of the asphalt. Therefore, it is necessary to use optimum percent of the materials to prevent the malfunctions, and the researchers succeeded in obtaining the optimum amount.

Source : Nanotechnology Now