Evaluation of asphalt enhanced with locally made nanomaterials

This research work focused on the investigation of the properties of asphalt binder modified with different percentages of nanoclay (NC) and nanosilica. The nanosilica was manufactured from two different sources: silica fume (NSF) and rice husk (NSH). Results showed that NSF tends to decrease the penetration and increase the softening point temperature (SFT) and rotational viscosity (RV). However, NC content more than 3% was found to increase the penetration and decrease both RV and SFT. Using smaller percentages of NC increased both SFT and RV and decreased the penetration. Up to 3% of NSH exhibited improvement in penetration, SFT, and RV, however slight or no improvement was observed at higher contents. The Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) results showed obvious improvement in the Superpave performance grade. Both NSF and NC were found to improve Marshall stability of the asphalt mixtures.