Date of Award
1-1-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.S. in Engineering Science
First Advisor
Hunain Alkhateb
Second Advisor
Ahmed Al-Ostaz
Third Advisor
Sasan Nouranian
School
University of Mississippi
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
The long-term performance of asphalt binders is closely linked to their resistance to oxidative aging, especially under ultraviolet (UV) exposure. This study explores the potential of neat graphene, a carbon-based nanomaterial, to enhance the rheological performance and aging resistance of asphalt binders. Graphene was incorporated at concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 3% by weight of binder, and its effects were evaluated through a comprehensive experimental program.
To simulate field aging, binders were subjected to short-term aging using the Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO), long-term aging via the Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV), and custom-designed UV exposure protocols. Rheological performance was assessed using rotational viscosity, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) testing for rutting and fatigue parameters, multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR), and linear amplitude sweep (LAS). In addition, oxidative aging was characterized at the molecular level using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and a normalized Aging Index was introduced to quantify performance degradation relative to neat asphalt.
The results demonstrated that graphene generally improved the performance and aging resistance of asphalt binders, though its effectiveness varied with concentration. The 1% graphene binder exhibited the most consistent improvements, particularly in flowability, fatigue life, and high-temperature performance, including reduced permanent deformation and improved elastic recovery. The 3% graphene binder showed enhanced rutting and deformation resistance but also increased stiffness, which negatively affected fatigue resistance in some cases. The 2% binder consistently showed no improvement in performance or UV aging resistance and often performed worse than the neat binder.
FTIR analysis supported these findings, with the 1% and 3% graphene binders showing reduced chemical oxidation under both PAV and UV conditions, while the 2% binder exhibited greater oxidative degradation. The performance-based Aging Indices further confirmed that the 1% graphene binder was most effective in resisting aging-related changes across multiple properties.
Overall, the study concludes that neat graphene is a promising additive for enhancing asphalt binder durability, particularly under UV aging. The 1% concentration offers the best balance of mechanical performance and aging resistance, while the 3% dosage may be more suitable for applications where high-temperature deformation resistance is prioritized. These findings emphasize the importance of dosage optimization in the use of nanomaterials for asphalt modification.
Recommended Citation
Athamnah, Ala, "Impact of Neat Graphene On Asphalt Binder UV Aging Reistance, Durability, and Performance" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3236.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/3236