Physical and Chemical Properties of Nano Zinc Oxide Modified Asphalt Binder

Abstract

Nanotechnology has recently been applied in various branches of research, including pavement engineering, because the materials it offers are promising and improving. The process of modifying asphalt binder has developed gradually, and now many kinds of nanomaterials are used. In this study, a flake-structured nano zinc oxide was used as an asphalt binder modifier. At 3%, 5%, and 7%, respectively, of penetration grade 60/70 asphalt binder, the nano modifiers were added. Physical properties of the modified asphalt binders were then examined, including storage stability, penetration, softening point, and viscosity. Meanwhile, the chemical property was determined using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. It was discovered that 3% nano zinc oxide produced the best results. Nano zinc oxide was found not to show separation at high temperatures in a storage stability test. The addition of nano zinc oxide to the asphalt binder also reduced the penetration, increased the softening point, and reduced the viscosity. The high penetration index value also indicates that the asphalt binder treated with nano zinc oxide is thermally resistant.