Properties and Characterization Techniques of Graphene Modified Asphalt Binders

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Graphene is a carbon nanomaterial enhancing material performance across industries.
• Graphene-like materials are used as modifiers in asphalt binders for pavement engineering.
• Graphene Modified Asphalt Binders (GMABs) demonstrate improved performance grades, thermal susceptibility, fatigue life, and permanent deformation resistance compared to unmodified binders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive literature review on the properties and advanced characterization techniques of GMABs.
• To identify prominent trends and knowledge gaps in the current understanding of GMAB behavior.
• To provide a consolidated overview for researchers and engineers in pavement engineering.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications on GMABs.
• Analysis of studies employing advanced characterization techniques.
• Synthesis of data from techniques including AFM, DSC, DSR, elemental analysis, FTIR, Raman, SEM, TGA, XRD, and XPS.

Main Results:

• GMABs exhibit enhanced performance characteristics in pavement applications.
• There is a lack of consensus on the detailed chemical, rheological, microstructural, morphological, thermogravimetric, and surface topography properties of GMABs.
• Various advanced laboratory protocols are utilized for GMAB characterization, with specific findings varying across studies.

Conclusions:

• GMABs offer significant advantages over traditional asphalt binders.
• Further research is needed to establish a consensus on GMAB properties and standardize characterization methods.
• This review highlights critical areas for future investigation to fully leverage GMAB technology in pavement engineering.