Laboratory Investigation of the Effect of Nanoclay on the Moisture Sensitivity of Asphalt Mixture Containing Bitumen Modified with SBS

Modification plays an important role in asphalt deterioration. Failure occurs when bitumen separates from aggregate particles due to reduced adhesion between asphalt and aggregate compared to adhesion between water and aggregate. In recent years, the use of nanomaterials can be used to improve various asphalt properties. In this study, three types of nanoclay were used to modify styrene-butadiene-styrene modified bitumen (SBS1-). The resistance to failure of modified bitumen was evaluated using surface free energy (SFE2). The results showed that the SFE decreased and the energy ratio (ER3) increased by modifying bitumen with nanoclays, indicating that nanoclays can improve the resistance of these aggregate cohesive systems. After immersion, due to the interaction between water and bitumen, the subsequent degradation rate was observed in both SBS and nanoclay modified asphalt. However, the residual amount of 3D structures in nanoclay modified asphalt was higher than that of SBS modified asphalt, indicating that nanoclay makes the surface morphology more resistant to water damage. Finally, freezing and melting tests were used for the results obtained through SFE tests.