Enhancement of Microwave Heating Technology for Emulsified Asphalt Mixtures Using SiC-Fe₃O₄ Composite Material

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Emulsified asphalt mixtures require efficient curing post-paving.
• Microwave heating offers rapid water evaporation but needs enhanced absorption.
• SiC-Fe3O4 composite material (SF) is investigated for improved microwave absorption and curing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of SiC-Fe3O4 composite material on emulsified asphalt mixtures under microwave heating.
• To determine the optimal microwave heating duration for enhanced mixture properties.
• To assess the road performance of microwave-cured emulsified asphalt mixtures.

Main Methods:

• Simulation of microwave heating temperature fields using COMSOL Multiphysics.
• Adhesion tests to examine early strength variations with microwave heating duration.
• Evaluation of road performance including wear, water damage, rutting, and skid resistance.

Main Results:

• Microwave absorption performance ranked: EAM < S-EAM < F-EAM < SF-EAM.
• Optimal microwave heating time determined to be 90 seconds.
• SiC-Fe3O4 composite enhanced emulsified asphalt mixtures (SF-EAM) showed improved wear, water damage, and rutting resistance.

Conclusions:

• SiC-Fe3O4 composite material significantly enhances microwave absorption and curing of emulsified asphalt mixtures.
• Microwave heat curing, particularly with SF-EAM for 90s, improves early strength and road performance.
• The developed microwave curing process meets specification requirements and enhances durability.