Experimental Study on the Physical and ‎Rheological Properties of Bitumen ‎Modified with Different Nano Materials ‎‎(Nano SiO2 & Nano TiO2)‎

Abstract

<em>This study is carried out to explore the effect of nano materials (SiO2 & TiO2) on the physical and rheological properties of Bitumen. To achieve this goal, Nano materials are blended in bitumen in various percentages (0.3, 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2%). The physical and rheological properties of modified binders are characterized using a penetration, softening point, kinematic viscosity and a dynamic shear rheometer tests and compared with unmodified bitumen. The tensile strength of the bitumens is also tested as a function of nano contents. The results of the study indicate an increase in softening point, kinematics viscosity and decrease in bitumen penetration. The tensile strength of modified bitumen is enhanced by a comparison with the standard 60/70 bitumen. Also, results of DSR test show that modified bitumen significant better rutting resistance than the standard 60-70 bitumen. Tests results show that the best improvements in the modified bitumens were obtained with 1.2% nano SiO2.</em>