Investigation of Rheological Properties of Asphalt Binders Containing Conductive Fillers
It is currently interesting to use thermal or electrical conductive asphalt mixtures for snow-melting and maintenance of asphalt pavements in winter or strain-sensing application. Graphite is the principal conductive filler for asphalt mixtures. The addition of Graphite not only makes asphalts conductive but also has effects on other properties. Considering the visco-elastic property of asphalt, the effects of graphite on rheological properties of asphalt binders were investigated by Viscosity Test(VT) and Dynamic Shear Rheometer(DSR). The results of Viscosity Test indicate that viscosity of asphalt binder increases with an increasing amount of graphite. And the effect is more prominent at higher amount and lower temperature. It means that graphite makes asphalt binders stiffer. The results from DSR tests present that the values of complex modulus increase while phase angles decrease under a proper amount of graphite. It infers that proper amount of graphite can make asphalt a more elastic like material. And the results of rutting parameter point out that graphite can improve the rutting resistance of asphalts.