Characterization of the rate of change of rheological properties of nano-modified asphalt

• To evaluate the changes in asphalt behavior at the viscous and visco-elastic conditions.
• Non-dimensional analyses were used to characterize the Nano-modified asphalt performance.
• Samples evaluation were conducted at various Nano-material type and content, and test temperature.
• Effects of Nano-modifier on the intermolecular forces of bitumen were evaluated using activation energy.

This study aims to characterize the rate of change that takes place in the rheological properties of asphalt binders modified with numerous types and contents of nano-materials. The effects of nano-materials on the activation energy of modified asphalt binders under the viscous and visco-elastic behavior were also investigated. Through the research findings, the application of non-dimensional analyses using relative viscosity and relative G∗/sin δ (NSRP) are very meaningful to evaluate the rate of change in the rheological properties of asphalt binder per one unit percent of nano-material. It is also found that the non-dimensional viscosity index (∇η) and non-dimensional Superpave™ rutting factor gradient (∇NSRP) are influenced by the type and content of nano-material, and test temperature. The activation energy analysis has confirmed that the changes in amount of energy consumed are not only influenced by the type and content of nano-material, but also the physical phase of the modified asphalt binders.

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