Introducing Nanoclay As an Asphalt Modifier

This article describes the use of nanoclay as an asphalt modifier. The author first reminds readers that modified asphalt binders are used to improve rutting resistance, reduce fatigue cracking, and reduce the amount of cold temperature cracking. The asphalt industry is continually looking for new or alternative materials that can be used as modifiers, in order to improve performance, reduce waste disposal costs, and reduce the cost of the modifier additives themselves. The author then defines nanoclays as tiny particles of layered mineral silicates and cautions readers that not all clays used as asphalt modifiers are nanoclays. The author describes Montmorillonite, the most common type of nanoclay used in materials application. The article also reports on research being done at the University of Michigan on the use of nanoclays and other research into the use of clay-stabilized emulsions to modify asphalt residue properties. The author concludes that nanoclays appear to have a beneficial impact on the high-temperature properties of asphalt binders.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Print
  • Features: Photos;
  • Pagination: pp 29-32
  • Serial:
    • Asphalt
    • Volume: 27
    • Issue Number: 3
    • Publisher: Asphalt Institute
    • ISSN: 0004-4954

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01472057
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Feb 12 2013 9:08AM