MPC Research Reports
Report Details

Title:	Development and Characterization of a Plant-based Bio-Additive for Asphalt Binder
Authors:	Rouzbeh Ghabchi and Marco Paulo Pereira Castro
University:	South Dakota State University
Publication Date:	Aug 2024
Report #:	MPC-24-544
Project #:	MPC-575

Abstract

In recent years, major initiatives have been taken to replace non-renewable materials with environmentally friendly and sustainable ones. The present study was undertaken to apply a scalable process for laboratory production of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and to evaluate the feasibility of using the produced CNF as a sustainable plant-based asphalt additive to improve the mechanical properties and durability of asphalt pavements. CNF was produced in the laboratory by applying an electrospinning technique to achieve this goal. Structure, morphology, and the size distribution of the produced CNF were evaluated using scan electron microscopy. Also, tensile strength tests in two perpendicular directions were conducted on lab-produced CNF. The effect of incorporating different amounts of CNF in three types of asphalt binders, PG 58-28, PG 64-34, and PG 70-28, on fracture energy and dynamic viscosity of binder blends were evaluated by conducting Izod impact and rotational viscometer tests, respectively. Additionally, the effect of CNF dosage in the binder on its adhesion and moisture-induced debonding potential of three different mineralogy aggregates was evaluated by conducting a binder bond strength test. Furthermore, the effect of incorporating CNF in asphalt mixes on their cracking, rutting, and moisture-induced damage potential was evaluated by conducting semi-circular bend, Hamburg wheel tracking, and tensile strength ratio tests. The tests conducted on asphalt binders and mixes revealed that incorporation of CNF resulted in an overall improvement in binder-aggregates adhesion, an asphalt binder with a higher fracture energy and dynamic viscosity, and an asphalt mix with a higher resistance to rutting, cracking, and moisture-induced damage.

How to Cite

Ghabchi, Rouzbeh, and Marco Paulo Pereira Castro. Development and Characterization of a Plant-based Bio-Additive for Asphalt Binder, MPC-24-544. North Dakota State University - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, Fargo: Mountain-Plains Consortium, 2024.