Impacts of Graphene Oxide on the Physical Property and Microstructure of Asphalt Material

Abstract

In order to determine the effect of graphene oxide (GO) on the physical property and microstructure of the asphalt binder, GO material was selected to prepare GO-modified asphalt for analysis. Firstly, the surface/interface characterization and chemical analysis were performed on GO and GO-modified asphalt. The physical properties of GO-modified asphalt were investigated through softening point, ductility, and penetration tests. The impact of GO material on the rheological behavior of asphalt was characterized by Brookfield viscosity and dynamic shear rheological tests (DSR). Furthermore, the typical microstructure of GO inside asphalt material was also identified and analyzed through a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results showed that the modifying effect of GO materials could promote the fusion between asphalt and GO. A modified GO could improve the high temperature of asphalt, but it would degrade the low temperature property of the asphalt binder. A modified GO could be integrated with asphalt and achieve a modifying effect on the asphalt material. This study would provide references for the application of graphene oxide in asphalt pavement materials.