The physical properties of bitumen modified with ilmenite and bentonite nanoparticles

Using nanotechnology in asphalt paving has increased markedly to improve the asphalt characteristics and increase the road life, especially with the significant increase in traffic volumes. The present contribution evaluates the effects of ore nanoparticles namely ilmenite and bentonite on the engineering properties and performance of asphalt binder. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) micrograph was used to characterize the investigated nanomaterials. The nanoparticles were blended with asphalt binder with different percentages (0–5% for ilmenite and 0–10% for bentonite by weight of asphalt binder) to determine the appropriate mixing ratio that sustained the desired characteristics. Different tests were conducted to examine the properties of modified asphalt binder among which penetration, softening point, rotational viscosity, penetration index (PI) and ductility. The results of our study revealed an increase in softening point and rotational viscosity and decrease in binder penetration. Moreover, blending of variable amounts of nanomaterials with the asphalt binders has improved their physical properties compared with macroparticles blended and unmodified binders as indicated by the penetration index and ductility test. The most significant improvement in the modified binders was obtained by blending of 5% for two types of nanoparticles. Finally, the rut depth was measured by wheel track test for the modified asphalt mixture, with ilmenite and bentonite, to validate the obtained results. The results show that the engineering performance of asphalt produced from bitumen binder modified with nanoparticles is much better than conventional asphalt and such binder-modified asphalt is strongly recommended for use on site.