Performance Characteristics of Nano Palm Shell Ash (NPSA) in Asphalt Mixture

One innovation in creating new materials that have superior properties compared to large-sized materials is to use nanotechnology. The uniqueness of nano materials is that the smaller the size of the material, the greater the surface area and performance characteristics of the material in the asphalt mixture. This research develops nano technology in asphalt pavement construction by making nano material from palm shell ash waste. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of adding palm shell ash nano material as a substitute for asphalt in the AC-WC mixture. The research method was carried out by testing the morphological characterization of the palm shell ash nano material using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) testing and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) testing, then continuing with testing the characteristics of the mixture using the Marshall testing method. The nano material used is palm shell ash material obtained from palm shell burning waste originating from Riau which is then processed into Nano Palm Shell Ash (NPSA) material using a ball mill. The asphalt used is Pen 60/70 asphalt produced by Pertamina. The use of NPSA material in asphalt modification with NPSA variations of 1%, 2% and 3% can improve the performance of marshal characteristics compared to conventional asphalt mixtures. It can be seen that the stability, flow, VFA and MQ values increase with increasing NPSA percentage in asphalt. Meanwhile, the VIM and VMA values decreased along with the increase in the NPSA percentage in asphalt. In addition, increasing the percentage of NPSA in asphalt can reduce the use of optimum asphalt content compared to conventional asphalt mixtures. Utilizing palm shell ash waste is the best alternative for improving the performance of asphalt in mixtures and is environmentally friendly and economical.