A novel and eco-friendly binder called Engineered nano material Asphalt has been developed by researchers at Swansea University and the Technical University of Braunschweig.
The product generates a new class of warm mix asphalt (WMA) additive. That reduces energy consumption significantly. Simultaneously minimizing vapours and greenhouse gas emissions during the production of asphalt mixtures when compared to conventional asphalt. It also works effectively at a large scale, called Engineered nano material Asphalt.
Adoption of WMA
To achieve net-zero carbon emissions, Highways UK is increasing the adoption of WMA as a standard across its supply chain. When compared to conventional, WMA technologies can provide increased efficiency and reduce carbon production, with CO2 reductions of up to 15%. WMAs are produced at temperatures of up to 40°C lower than ordinary asphalt. Therefore, switching to them would save roughly 61,000 tonnes of CO2 each year in UK. which is equivalent of reducing 300 million miles of automobile travel.
To address these issues in WMA technology, a team of researchers from the Braunschweig Pavement Engineering Centre (ISBS) at the Technische Universität Braunschweig and Energy Safety Research Institute (ESRI) at Swansea University have discovered the potential for engineered clay/fumed silica nanocomposites to be used as an anti-aging binder that can not only serve to reduce temperatures but also overcome significant limitations caused by moisture susceptibility.
Lead researcher Dr Gِoshtasp Cheraghian of the Technical University of Braunschweig said:
Cost-Effective & Non-Toxic
“The study given fills the technical gap in WMA technology. Our nanocomposite is a cost-effective and non-toxic substance that can have a significant impact on WMA stability.”
“Typically, asphalt binders are susceptible to aging due to heat, air, sunlight, and water. That have a detrimental effect on the pavement quality, reducing durability.” Dr Sajad Kiani of ESRI said, “We found that the addition of mineral-reinforced particle will not only decrease oxidation and aging of asphalt. But also improve road pavement lifespan and decrease asphalt-related emissions.”
