Storage Stability of Bituminous Binders Reinforced with Nano-Additives

The experimental investigation presented in this paper focused on storage stability of bituminous binders containing nano-sized additives. Several blends were prepared in the laboratory by combining three base bitumens with two dif-ferent types of nanoclays and one type of carbon nanotubes at various dosages. A technique based on the combination of simple shear mixing and sonication was proposed to achieve adequate dispersion of nano-particles in bitumen. Capability of materials to withstand segregation phenomena was evaluated by means of vis-cosity measurements performed on samples derived from simulative laboratory storage tests. Results obtained in the study revealed that high-temperature stability of nano-reinforced binders is dependent upon physico-chemical properties of base components, thus highlighting the key role played in such a context by interaction mechanisms that take place between nano-additives and dispersing bituminous medium