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Hydrochar from corn stalk used as bio-asphalt modifier: High-temperature performance improvement
Chichun Hu1, Jianqiang Feng1, Nan Zhou2
1College of Civil Engineering & Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
Environmental Research
|September 8, 2020
Summary
Corn stalk hydrochar enhances asphalt performance. This sustainable approach improves high-temperature resistance, offering a promising solution for pavement engineering in warm climates.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Improper disposal of biomass, including conversion products like hydrochar and biochar, leads to significant environmental pollution.
- There is a growing demand for sustainable biomass utilization methods to mitigate pollution and create valuable materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of hydrochar derived from corn stalk as a novel modifier for virgin asphalt.
- To evaluate the impact of hydrochar on the high-temperature performance and physical properties of asphalt.
Main Methods:
- Hydrochar was produced from corn stalk via hydrothermal treatment.
- Hydrochar was incorporated into virgin asphalt using manual stirring and high-speed shearing to create hydrochar-modified asphalt (HCMA).
- Microscopic characterization techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), were employed.
Main Results:
- The optimized dosage of hydrochar was found to be 6 wt%.
- HCMA exhibited superior high-temperature performance compared to unmodified asphalt.
- At the optimized dosage, the Rutting Index reached 76°C, penetration was 31.70 (0.1 mm), and the softening point was 54.70°C.
- Microscopic analysis confirmed a good blending state between hydrochar and asphalt, indicating effective modification.
Conclusions:
- Hydrochar derived from corn stalk effectively modifies asphalt, significantly enhancing its high-temperature performance.
- The use of hydrochar in asphalt modification presents a sustainable solution for reducing pollution and improving pavement engineering materials.
- This application holds considerable promise for pavement engineering, particularly in subtropical and tropical climate regions.
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