Carbon Nanotubes-modified Asphalt Binder: Preparation and Characterization

This study focuses on the exploratory analysis of the mixing procedure of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with asphalt cement (AC) and discusses the viscoelastic characteristics of neat and CNT-modified AC binders. Two CNT-asphalt cement mixing procedures including simple and wet processes were investigated. Viscoelastic properties of modified AC incorporated with 0.1, 0.5, and 1 (%w/w) CNT were evaluated, considering bitumen penetration, softening point, ductility, rotational viscosity (RV), and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests, then the results were compared to those of unmodified asphalt binder. It was found that the wet process technique can make a homogeneous CNT-asphalt binder mixture, while the simple process technique would not disperse CNTs as uniformly as the wet process, but it is easier and more practical. Moreover, adding carbon nano tubes (CNTs) provides an enhancement of rutting resistance potential along with the resistance to thermal cracking.