Effect of Nano Materials on Asphalt Cement Properties

Abstract. The mechanical and rheological behavior of asphalt cement depends to a great extent on structural elements and phenomena which are effective on a micro- and Nano-scale. In this work, efforts have been made to digest asphalt cement with two types of Nano materials, and study the possibilities of improving mechanical, rheological, and physical properties of this important group of composite construction materials. The investigated materials are Silica fumes and fly ash. A comprehensive testing program has been set to study the possibility of digesting penetration grades asphalt cement (40-50), obtained from Dorah refinery-Baghdad, with different percentages of such materials. The impact has been measured through monitoring the changes in penetration, softening point, ductility, and rheological characteristics.