Abstract
Novel modification of soft asphalt for use in infrastructure applications
Author(s): A.A.Ragab, Usama F.Kandil, M.El-Shafie, ReemK.Farag, A.M.M.Saleh, Ahmed F.El-KafrawyAsphalt penetration grade 60/70 can not be used in coating applications for its long curing time at ordinary temperature and for its brittleness at very cold temperature. Thismaterial is very cheap as compared to blown asphalt that usually used in industrial applications. This research aims to use soft asphalt in coating applications via using rubber nanoparticles in its modification to overcome the undesired properties. The rubber nanoparticles were prepared in lab via emulsification of natural rubber with a suitable emulsifying agent. The nanoparticles were added to asphalt in percentages ranging from 3 to 10%w/w. The prepared samples were tested physically, mechanically and the thermal behaviour was also detected. In addition, morphological investigation has been performed using SEMand TEM,where these results confirmed a good dispersion of the rubber nanoparticles in the asphaltic matrix. Overall, the results show that this specific modifier is the best -so far- in the modification of soft asphalt to suit the industerial applications in different climate conditions. Moreover, this modification approach is simple and cost effective which is suitable to produce a lowcost industrial material that has a wide range of infrastructure applications.
