Anti-Aging Effect of Nano-ZnO on Asphalt: Chemo-Rheological Behavior, Molecular Size Evolution of Polymers, and Nanoscale Parameters

Baifu An ^1,2, Yang Shen ¹, Jianan Liu ³

⁰School of Resource & Environment and Safety Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China.

Polymers +

|

October 28, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Adding nano-zinc oxide (ZnO) to asphalt improves its resistance to heat and UV aging by enhancing high-temperature properties and delaying degradation. This modification offers a durable solution for pavement engineering applications.

Area Of Science

Materials Science
Polymer Chemistry
Pavement Engineering

Background

Asphalt's susceptibility to thermal and UV degradation limits pavement lifespan.
Aging accelerates molecular breakdown and physicochemical changes in asphalt binders.
Developing enhanced asphalt materials is crucial for infrastructure durability.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the anti-aging properties of asphalt modified with nano-zinc oxide (ZnO).
To analyze the chemo-rheological behavior and structural evolution of nano-ZnO-modified asphalt.
To provide insights into structure-property relationships for durable polymer nanocomposites.

Main Methods

Preparation of three types of nano-ZnO-modified asphalt.
Characterization using dynamic shear rheometry (DSR), FTIR, GPC, and AFM.
Quantitative analysis of aging resistance via rutting factor, functional group index, molecular size, and nanoscale parameters.

Main Results

Nano-ZnO enhances high-temperature rheological properties and delays rutting factor increase in aged asphalt.
Nano-ZnO disperses physically, reducing nanoscale roughness without forming new chemical bonds.
Aging leads to decreased nanoscale roughness and bee structure aspect ratio, with increased bee structure area.

Conclusions

Nano-ZnO significantly improves asphalt's aging resistance by altering functional group indices and molecular size distribution.
The study provides a reference for designing functional polymer nanocomposite systems with enhanced durability.
Nano-ZnO modification offers a viable strategy to extend the service life of asphalt pavements.

Keywords:

aging resistance asphalt binder nano-zinc oxide powder polymer nanocomposites polymer size evolution

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