Effect of carbon nanotubes on the structure and properties of polymer-bitumen binder

The influence of CNTs on the structure, rheological and mechanical properties of polymer-bitumen binders (PBB) was investigated. CNTs were obtained by pyrolysis of acetylene, toluene, dichloromethane, acetonitrile and a mixture of carbon disulfide and dichloromethane. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, thermal analysis (DSC, TGA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize CNTs. It was proven that CNTs stabilize PBBs, slowing down the degradation processes. Compared to the reference sample, the use of CNTs resulted in a slight decrease in both the tensile strength of the asphalt after 3 h of heating at 20°C (4%) and the compressive strength at 50°C (3%).