A facile approach to enhancing the UV blocking properties of layered double hydroxides and potential application in asphalt

Abstract Defect-structured ZnaMgbAlc layered double hydroxides (d-ZnaMgbAlc-LDHs) with varying Mg/Zn ratios have been prepared by modifying the surface of ZnaMgbAlc-LDHs through a chemical etching method. The ultraviolet (UV) blocking properties of d-ZnaMgbAlc-LDHs were significantly improved, and d-Zn4Al2-LDH was added into asphalt to explore the potential anti–UV-aging application in asphalt. Research results show that 3 wt% of d-Zn4Al2-LDH could significantly improve the anti–UV-aging ability of asphalt, resulting from oxygen vacancy defects produced on the surface of d-Zn4Al2-LDH. Specifically, these oxygen defect vacancies can adsorb the free radicals generated during the asphalt aging process; therefore, it blocked the fragmentation of the macromolecule chain in asphalt and postponed the aging process.