Effects of the Addition of Industrial Graphene Nanoplatelets on the Permanent Deformation Susceptibility, Fatigue Resistance, and Healing Capacity of an Asphalt Mixture Modified with Styrene–Butadiene–Styrene Copolymer

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the impact of adding industrial graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the mechanical performance (permanent deformation and fatigue) and healing of an asphalt mixture modified with styrene–butadiene–styrene. In this regard, the incorporation content of GNPs relative to the mass of the asphalt binder has been optimized. The determination of the percentage of addition was based on the rheological behavior results of the composites (binder + industrial graphene nanoplatelets). From this percentage, two asphalt mixtures were produced: a reference mixture and another with 2.64% GNPs relative to the mass of the asphalt binder (selected content). The results demonstrated that the addition of GNPs increased the resistance to rutting of the asphalt mixture by 19% but reduced the fatigue resistance of the material by approximately 10%. However, the percentage of healing of the asphalt mixture increased by approximately 28.5%.