Hydrophobic and microwave-responsive modified asphalt for enhanced anti-icing and de-icing performance

This paper presents a rapid de-icing technology for asphalt roads, with emphasis on a strategy that prioritizes anti-icing with supplementary de-icing to improve winter road safety. De-icing modified asphalt is successfully prepared by incorporating an Aerogel-Carbon (A-C) modifier, which is composed of a SiO₂ aerogel and carbon powder, into the base asphalt. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction are employed to analyze the microstructure and chemical composition of the A-C modifier, the results of which confirm its compatibility with asphalt. A series of tests is conducted to evaluate the overall performance of the modified asphalt, including penetration, softening point, ductility, dynamic shear rheometer, and bending beam rheometer tests. The results show significant improvements in both the high-temperature stability, with G*/sinδ increasing by approximately 50 % for the 15 % A-C group, and low-temperature rheological properties of the modified asphalt. Additionally, tests on wave absorption, heating characteristics, heat retention, and surface hydrophobicity further confirm the enhanced anti-icing and de-icing performance, with the 15 % A-C group reaching 65.9 ℃ after 10 heating cycles (nearly thrice higher than 13.6 ℃ of the base asphalt) and a contact angle 20 % higher. Variance analysis confirms the statistical significance of all performance improvements (p < 0.001). The findings indicate that the A-C modifier effectively increases the stiffness, high-temperature stability, and anti-icing properties of asphalt while significantly improving de-icing efficiency, accelerating meltwater removal, and reducing the risk of secondary ice formation, offering a practical and promising solution to combat winter ice formation on asphalt pavements. • SiO 2 aerogel and carbon powder enhance asphalt's anti-icing and de-icing performance. • Microwave and hydrophobic synergy boosts de-icing efficiency over single methods. • A-C modifier improves asphalt's high-temperature rheology and rutting resistance. • A-C modifiers reduce secondary ice formation risks on pavements.