Effects of Nano-sized Additives on the High-Temperature Properties of Bituminous Binders: A Comparative Study

In this paper the effects of different nano-sized additives on the high temperature properties of bituminous binders are evaluated and compared. Single wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and two different types of nanoclay (NC) were employed in combination with a single base bitumen. Two percentages of CNTs (0.5 and 1%) and three percentages of NCs (1, 3 and 6%) were used. The investigation included viscosity, oscillatory shear loading and multiple stress creep-recovery tests performed at different temperatures. Experimental results indicate that CNTs and one type of NC at high dosages may have beneficial effects on the high temperature properties of bituminous binders.