Effect of Functionalization and Mixing Process on the Rheological Properties of Asphalt Modified with Carbon Nanotubes

Ibrahim Amin¹, Sherif M. El-Badawy^1, , Tamer Breakah² and Mourad H. Z. Ibrahim¹

¹Public Works Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt

²Department of Construction and Architectural Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt

Cite this paper:
Ibrahim Amin, Sherif M. El-Badawy, Tamer Breakah and Mourad H. Z. Ibrahim. Effect of Functionalization and Mixing Process on the Rheological Properties of Asphalt Modified with Carbon Nanotubes. American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture. 2016; 4(3):90-97. doi: 10.12691/ajcea-4-3-4

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the rheological properties of conventional asphalt modified with Multi- Walled Carbon Nano Tubes (MWCNTs). Pristine MWCNTs were chemically modified using acid functionalization process to introduce carboxylic acid groups onto the surface of MWCNTs. The pristine and functionalized MWCNTs were then characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and electron dispersion X-ray (EDX) analysis. A 3% (by weight of asphalt) of pristine and functionalized MWCNTs were each blended with a base asphalt at 120°C. The properties of the base and modified asphalts were evaluated using softening point, rotational viscometer and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) for both original and short term aged asphalts using the rolling this film oven (RTFO) test. The results indicated that the use of MWCNTs as a modifier was helpful in improving the conventional and rheological properties of the asphalt. Generally, it was found that the softening point, as well as the rotational viscosity, were increased and the temperature susceptibility was improved. The results showed a remarkable improvement in the binder complex shear modulus, failure temperature, and rutting resistance. The rheological properties of the asphalt modified with pristine MWCNTs were better than the functionalized MWCNTs. Finally, the effect of mixing technique (high shear mixer and a manufactured mechanical mixer) of MWCNTs with asphalt was evaluated. Results showed that both mixers yielded similar properties based on the rotational viscosity testing.

Keywords:
CNTs MWCNTs DSR RTFO modified asphalt rutting

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