Resistance to Ultraviolet Aging of Nano-SiO₂ and Rubber Powder Compound Modified Asphalt

Ultraviolet (UV) aging degrades the life span of asphalt pavement, nanomaterials used as modifiers exhibit good shielding function on UV light, but generally degrade the low-temperature property of asphalt, a compound modification was found to be a solution. In this study, nano-SiO₂ and rubber powder were blended together with base asphalt to prepare compound modified asphalt. Compound modified asphalt with different blending dosages were subjected to UV light via a self-made UV aging simulation chamber. Basic performance tests and rheological tests were conducted including the UV aging influence. An optimum compound ratio was finally recommended based on the goal to remove the adverse effect of nano-SiO₂ on the thermal cracking. Results show that the anti-UV aging property of asphalt is improved obviously due to the blocking function of nano-SiO₂ and carbon black in rubber powder, and the enhancing effect of nano-SiO₂ is found to be the most significant.