Motivated by the promising results of previous research, this study evaluated the feasibility of using Allophane, an Ecuadorian nano-clay, as an additive to improve the mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures. The road construction industry has constantly sought to enhance the performance of asphalt pavements, which are affected by issues such as cracking, deformation, and oxidation. These challenges have driven this research to include nanomaterials to extend the lifespan of road infrastructure and reduce maintenance costs. For this purpose, physical and chemical characterization tests were conducted on conventional asphalt (AC-20) and asphalt modified with different percentages of Allophane. These tests included indirect tensile strength, stiffness modulus, and wear loss tests, as well as rheological analyses to determine the viscoelastic behavior of the material. The conclusions indicate that Allophane significantly improves the strength, stiffness, and durability of asphalt, offering a sustainable and high-performance alternative for the construction and maintenance of asphalt pavements. However, it is noted that the performance of Allophane modified asphalt may degrade after prolonged aging. The research highlights the importance of this nanotechnological additive in improving road infrastructure, extending the lifespan of asphalt pavements, and reducing maintenance costs.
References
[1]
Raura, R. (2019) Marshall and Superpave Evaluation of Asphalt Modified with Allophane. Qualification Thesis, Central University of Ecuador.
[2]
ASTM International (2019) Standard Test Method for Maximum Theoretical Specific Gravity and Density of Bituminous Mixtures (D2041-D2041M-19). https://www.astm.org/Standards/D2041.htm
[3]
ASTM International (2014) Standard Test Method for Sand Equivalent Value of Soils and Fine Aggregates (D2419-14). https://www.astm.org/Standards/D2419
[4]
Jiménez, E., Paucar, A. and Herrera, P. (2017) Study of the Catalytic Activity of Faujasite from Natural Clinker and Pumice Stone. Physical Chemistry India Journal, 12, 1-16.
[5]
Jiménez, E., Paucar, A. and Herrera, P. (2019) Technical and Economic Feasibility of the Industrialization of Allophane and Its Use as a Catalyst for the Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Process. Editorial Universitaria, 111-152.
[6]
Brito, S., Venegas, E., et al. (2019) Sampling Protocol for Soils Derived from Volcanic Ash Rich in Allophane. In: Herrera, P. and Paucar, A., Eds., Physical Chemistry of Allophane and Their Applications in Crude Oil Refining, Editorial Universitaria, 57-70.
[7]
ASTM International (2019) Standard Test Method for Bulk Density and Unit Weight of Compacted Nonabsorbent Bituminous Mixtures (D2726/D2726M-19). https://www.astm.org/Standards/D2726
[8]
Espinosa, T. and Valdivieso, M. (2019) Characterization of Hot Asphalt Mixtures Prepared with Asphalt Nano-Modified with Pure Allophane. Qualification Thesis, Central University of Ecuador.
[9]
Kaufhold, S., Dorhmann, Z., Abidin, Z., Henmi, T., Matsue, N., Eichinger, L. and Jahn, R. (2010) Allophane Compared with Other Sorbent Minerals for the Removal of Fluoride from Water with Particular Focus on a Mineable Ecuadorian Allophane. Applied Clay Science, 50, 25-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2010.06.018
[10]
Hidalgo, C., Etchevers, J. and Quantin, P. (1991) Imologite in an Andisol from Mexico. Turrialba, 41, 509-514.
[11]
ASTM D-287 (2022) Standard Test Method for API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products (Hydrometer Method). https://store.astm.org/d0287-22.html
[12]
Jiménez Calderón, E.H., Paucar Tipantuña, A.E., Herrera Mullo, P.F., Hidalgo Cháfuel, D.A., Ruiz, W., Stahl, U., et al. (2020) Natural and Activated Allophane Catalytic Activity Based on the Microactivity Test in ASTM Norm 3907/D3907M-2019. Applied Sciences, 10, Article 3035. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10093035
[13]
Filimonova, S., Kaufhold, S., Wagner, F.E., Häusler, W. and Kögel-Knabner, I. (2016) The Role of Allophane Nano-Structure and Fe Oxide Speciation for Hosting Soil Organic Matter in an Allophanic Andosol. GeochimicaetCosmochimicaActa, 180, 284-302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2016.02.033
[14]
ASTM International (2018) Standard Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup Tester (D92-18). https://cdn.standards.iteh.ai/samples/100770/b91c6c8ceab44aabbe398086bcc6e546/ASTM-D92-18.pdf
[15]
ASTM International (2020) Standard Test Method for Penetration of Bituminous Materials (D5/D5M-20). https://www.astm.org/Standards/D5
[16]
ASTM International (2014) Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Bitumen (Ring and Ball Apparatus) (D36/D36M-14). https://www.astm.org/Standards/D36
[17]
ASTM International (2017) Standard Test Method for Ductility of Bituminous Materials (D113-17). https://www.astm.org/Standards/D113
[18]
McCabe, W., Smith, J.C. and Harriott, P. (2007) Unit Operations in Chemical Engineering. 7th Edition, McGraw Hill, Vol. 1, 875-922.
[19]
Wu, M., You, Z., Jin, D., Yin, L. and Xin, K. (2024) Aging Effects on Asphalt Adhesive Properties: Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Chemical Composition and Structural Changes. Molecular Simulation, 50, 836-854. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927022.2024.2359568
[20]
Burkert, V.D., Elouadrhiri, L. and Girod, F.X. (2018) The Pressure Distribution inside the Proton. Nature, 557, 396-399. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-018-0060-z
[21]
Shanahan, P.E. and Detmold, W. (2019) Pressure Distribution and Shear Forces inside the Proton. PhysicalReviewLetters, 122, Article 072003. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.122.072003
[22]
Qasim, M., Ali, Z., Farooq, U. and Lu, D. (2020) Investigation of Entropy in Two-Dimensional Peristaltic Flow with Temperature Dependent Viscosity, Thermal and Electrical Conductivity. Entropy, 22, Article 200. https://doi.org/10.3390/e22020200
[23]
Farooq, U., Afridi, M.I., Qasim, M. and Lu, D.C. (2018) Transpiration and Viscous Dissipation Effects on Entropy Generation in Hybrid Nanofluid Flow over a Nonlinear Radially Stretching Disk. Entropy, 20, Article 668. https://doi.org/10.3390/e20090668
Teryaev, O.V. (2016) Gravitational Form Factors and Nucleon Spin Structure. FrontiersofPhysics, 11, Article No. 111207. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11467-016-0573-6
[26]
Auerbach, N. and Yeverechyahu, A. (1975) Nuclear Viscosity and Widths of Giant Resonances. AnnalsofPhysics, 95, 35-52. https://doi.org/10.1016/0003-4916(75)90042-1
[27]
Coppola, G., Capuano, F. and de Luca, L. (2019) Discrete Energy-Conservation Properties in the Numerical Simulation of the Navier-Stokes Equations. AppliedMechanicsReviews, 71, Article 010803. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4042820
[28]
Loveland, W.D., Morrissey, D.J. and Seaborg, G.T. (2005) Modern Nuclear Chemistry. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. https://doi.org/10.1002/0471768626
[29]
Pohl, R., Antognini, A., Nez, F., Amaro, F.D., Biraben, F., Cardoso, J.M.R., et al. (2010) The Size of the Proton. Nature, 466, 213-216. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature09250
[30]
Fefferman, C.L. (2017) Existence and Smoothness of the Navier-Stokes Equation. Clay Mathematics Institute. https://www.claymath.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/navierstokes.pdf
[31]
Lage, J.L. and Kulish, V.V. (2002) On the Relationship between Fluid Velocity and De Broglie’s Wave Function and the Implications to the Navier—Stokes Equation. InternationalJournalofFluidMechanicsResearch, 29, 13 p. https://doi.org/10.1615/interjfluidmechres.v29.i1.30
[32]
Caffarelli, L., Kohn, R. and Nirenberg, L. (1982) Partial Regularity of Suitable Weak Solutions of the Navier‐Stokes Equations. CommunicationsonPureandAppliedMathematics, 35, 771-831. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpa.3160350604
[33]
Chen, Z., Pei, J., Li, R. and Xiao, F. (2018) Performance Characteristics of Asphalt Materials Based on Molecular Dynamics Simulation—A Review. ConstructionandBuildingMaterials, 189, 695-710. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.09.038
[34]
Xu, G. and Wang, H. (2017) Molecular Dynamics Study of Oxidative Aging Effect on Asphalt Binder Properties. Fuel, 188, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2016.10.021
[35]
Guo, M., Liang, M., Fu, Y., Sreeram, A. and Bhasin, A. (2021) Average Molecular Structure Models of Unaged Asphalt Binder Fractions. MaterialsandStructures, 54, Article No. 173. https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-021-01754-2
[36]
Liang, B., Lan, F., Shi, K., Qian, G., Liu, Z. and Zheng, J. (2021) Review on the Self-Healing of Asphalt Materials: Mechanism, Affecting Factors, Assessments and Improvements. ConstructionandBuildingMaterials, 266, Article 120453. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.120453
[37]
Kaufhold, S., Kaufhold, A., Jahn, R., Brito, S., Dohrmann, R., Hoffmann, R., et al. (2009) A New Massive Deposit of Allophane Raw Material in Ecuador. ClaysandClayMinerals, 57, 72-81. https://doi.org/10.1346/ccmn.2009.0570107
