Comparative tests of asphalt concrete at the new nanopolymeric binder and bitumen BND 90/130

The comparative test of asphalt binder on the new nanopolymeric bitumen (NPB) and on the BND 90/130. The tests on compressive strength, water resistance and fatigue strength at different temperatures and loads were made. The required amount of NPB was obtained at a pilot plant using an original technology that employs a synergistic effect of simultaneous temperature and ultrasonic action on the bitumen mixture with rubber crumb tire waste. As a result of this effect, rubber was destructed and devulcanized, polymer rubber molecules and rubber filler particles (technical soot, chalk, talc) were formed in the bitumen. Under the action of ultrasonic cavitation, rubber polymers dispersed to micro-sizes, and fragile mineral particles to nanoscale. The resulting NPB composition has a homogeneous structure due to its reinforcement by a huge number of nanoparticles. As studies have shown, this composition has very high physical and mechanical characteristics. The results of comparative tests showed that the production of asphalt does not require fundamental changes in traditional technology. At the same time, it revealed significant advantages in the use of NPB in granular form without changing the quality of asphalt compared to the asphalt obtained by using liquid NPB. In this case, there is no need to store large quantities of liquid bitumen in a hot condition at an asphalt concrete plant and transport it from the manufacturer (oil refinery), which gives a significant economic effect to the asphalt concrete plant. The test results showed that the fatigue strength at all temperatures and loads is much higher than in the case of bitumen BND 90/130. This is especially evident at temperatures of 60 and –30 degrees Celsius for all loads. This leads, at least, to 4 times increase in the service life of asphalt concrete pavement