Physical Investigation of Polymer Nanocomposite-Modified Bitumens Containing Halloysite Nanotube and Sepiolite Nanoclay

Abstract

In this study, nanocomposite-modified bitumens were prepared and mechanically tested as an alternative to polymer-modified binder. Halloysite nanotube and sepiolite nanoclay were employed along with some polymers to form nanocomposites through the melt intercalation method. The storage stability of the nanocomposite-modified bitumens was tested to evaluate the compatibility. Conventional tests were conducted to compare the physical changes after nanocomposite modification. The viscosity of the nanocomposite-modified binders was determined using a rotational viscometer. Finally, the high- and low-temperature performance grades were evaluated using a rheological testing program. The results showed that the compatibility of the nanocomposites was within acceptable limits, while certain nanocomposite types significantly increased the stiffness of bitumen compared to polymer modifiers alone, resulting in an improvement in the physical performance of bitumen.