Rheological Characterization of Bituminous Binders Modified with Carbon Nanotubes

The study presented in this paper focused on the use of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in bituminous binders. By employing a single reference base bitumen and multiwall CNTs, several bitumen-CNT blends were prepared at various concentrations and were subjected to rheological characterization in different aging conditions. Results indicate that when CNTs are added with a sufficiently high percentage to base bitumen, they can significantly affect rheological properties. CNTs provide an enhancement of rutting resistance potential and of resistance to thermal cracking. Moreover, susceptibility to oxidative aging is reduced with further advantages that are expected in the long-term performance of bituminous mixtures.