Effect of Nanomontmorillonite on Rheology and Fatigue-Healing Performance of Asphalt Binder

Abstract

Nano-modified asphalt binder has been focused in pavement projects because of its excellent performance. The major goal of this study was to inquiry nano-montmorillonite (MMT) affected the rheological characteristics, fatigue resistance, and active healing capabilities of asphalt binders. The physicochemical parameters, rheological performance of base asphalt and SBS modified asphalt binder with varying MMT doping were evaluated. The fatigue prediction model and time sweep test with a rest period were used to assess fatigue resistance and self-healing capacity. The results show that MMT can be uniformly distributed in the asphalt binder and present as the stable intercalated or exfoliated structure. It enhances the viscosity and improves to the high temperature resistance to permanent deformation while having an adverse influence on low temperature characteristic of binders. At intermediate temperatures, MMT dosages more than 3wt% can significantly promote the fatigue resistance and healing capability of asphalt binder.