Modification of Asphalt Modified by Packaging Waste EVA and Graphene Oxide

Abstract

A composite modifier made from waste ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (WEVA) and graphene oxide (GO) is used to modify asphalt used to pave the roadway. At the same time, the effect of GO on the related properties of modified composite asphalt is investigated in terms of softening point, penetration, ductility, as well as distribution. The preparation of the composite modifier can reduce the modification’s complexity and enhance the modifier’s dispersion in the asphalt system in the storage phase. By increasing WEVA and GO contents, the softening point of modified composite asphalt increases, and both the penetration and ductility decrease. It is proved that the high-temperature performance of composite asphalt modified by WEVA and GO is better than that of modified asphalt with WEVA. The distribution characteristics of modified asphalt on a fluorescence microscope show that by adding more GO, we get a more even and smaller “bee structure” asphalt system. It indicates that GO can promote dispersion and stop the aggregation of WEVA. The FTIR spectrum results show that the composite modification by adding WEVA and GO is a physical modification, indicating GO can physically prevent the aggregation of the polymers in the storage phase. We present a schematic of the effect on GO and WEVA in asphalt modification to show the improvement in the distribution of the asphalt system from GO. In all, this study provides an idea for the preparation of modified composite asphalt and the application of nano-materials.