Properties of a novel low-temperature phase change material and its improving effects on performances of asphalt pavements

• A novel LPCM was prepared for the first time through vacuum loading and low-temperature encapsulation process. • The prepared LPCM had good thermal reliability and chemical stability. • The temperature buffering capacity and thermal insulation properties of LPCM-modified asphalt mixtures had been improved. • The low-temperature crack resistance of LPCM-modified asphalt mixtures has been enhanced by 22.1% • The Performance comparison and benefit analysis of the developed LPCM was assessed. Asphalt pavements are susceptible to damage in low-temperature environments, and incorporation phase change materials (PCMs) can effectively address this issue. This study developed a novel low-temperature phase change material (LPCM) with a phase change enthalpy of 60.3 J/g through a simple physical combination of fly ash cenospheres, tetradecane, and water glass. It exhibited excellent cost-effectiveness, chemical compatibility, and good thermal stability, meeting the construction conditions for asphalt pavement engineering. The low-temperature crack resistance of LPCM-modified asphalt mixtures has been enhanced by 22.1 %, while both high-temperature stability and moisture stability are ensured. The incorporation of LPCM resulted in a decrease in thermal conductivity and improved insulation properties of the asphalt mixture. The specimen incorporating the highest dosage of LPCM demonstrated an enhanced temperature buffering capacity, with a temperature variation of 1.22 °C compared to the control specimen, indicating the effectiveness of LPCM in low-temperature regulation.