Application of NaP1 Zeolite Modified with Silanes in Bitumen Foaming Process.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Global climate change drives demand for sustainable technologies, including those reducing CO2 emissions.
• Warm asphalt mix (WMA) technologies using zeolite materials for bitumen foaming align with environmental sustainability trends.

Purpose of the Study:

• To modify zeolite NaP1 from fly ash with silanes (TEOS, MPTS, TESPT) for bitumen foaming.
• To investigate the application of these zeolite-silane composites in polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) foaming.

Main Methods:

• Zeolite NaP1 modification with silanes.
• Chemical characterization using EDS-XRF, FTIR, and XPS.
• Mineralogical analysis using XRD.
• Foaming process of polymer-modified bitumen (PMB 45/80-55).

Main Results:

• Successful modification of zeolite matrix with silanes, confirmed by chemical and textural analyses.
• Preservation of the zeolite's original phase composition after modification.
• Zeolite-silane composites reduced PMB stiffening without negatively impacting softening point or viscosity.

Conclusions:

• Zeolite-silane composites are effective for bitumen foaming in WMA applications.
• This technology offers a sustainable approach to asphalt mixture production with reduced environmental impact.
• The modified zeolite enhances bitumen properties for improved asphalt performance.