Investigating the High-Temperature Performance of Asphalt Binders Blended with Nanocenospheres

Abstract

This experimental work presents the effects of integrating nanocenospheres into asphalt binders. Nanocenospheres are hollow spherical nanoparticles sourced from thermal power plants. They are characterized by size, shape, and chemical composition, followed by the production of nanocenosphere-modified asphalt binders (NMB) with varying concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3%) of nanocenosphere particles. A series of experimental tests, including scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), Fourier infrared and transform spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), penetration, softening point, ductility, performance grading, temperature sweep, multiple stress and creep recovery (MSCR), frequency sweep, linear amplitude sweep (LAS), and rutting aging index are conducted to evaluate changes in physical, morphological, rheological, and chemical properties. Incorporating nanocenospheres into the asphalt binder alters its characteristics, resulting in improved physical and rheological performance. Optimal results are observed with a 2% proportion of nanocenospheres relative to the weight of the control asphalt binder.