Effect of nanowollastonite wastes on the bitumen properties and the performance of hot asphalt mixtures

Abstract

Wollastonite is a neutral mineral with a high modulus of elasticity that is composed of two parts of lime and silica in almost equal proportions and the structure of this mineral is fibrous and needle-shaped, which distinguishes it from other minerals. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on nanomaterials as bitumen modifiers and asphalt mixtures. The effect of morphology and nanoscale wastes mineral wollastonite as bitumen additive on the properties of asphalt mixture was investigated. According to the test findings, the use of nanowollastonite increases the G* sinδ parameter between 2000-3700 kPa at room temperature, resulting in a 45% reduction in the fatigue failure factor. Additionally, the rutting factor, G*/sinδ, increases between 3.75-4.75 kPa, indicating that the presence of nanowollastonite extends the pavement’s rutting life by 20% at the optimal concentration of 4% nanowollastonite. Findings demonstrate that waste nanowollastonite can be introduced as a new waste material to enhance the performance of asphalt pavement, considering the shape and size of its nano-components. Furthermore, incorporating waste nanowollastonite in the present design of asphalt concrete has a significant impact on reducing energy usage. Encouraging the use of these waste nanoparticles is worthwhile in order to reduce global energy consumption and pollution.