A New Generation of Multifunctional Hydrophobic and Luminescent Asphalt Emulsion for Pavement Applications

While modern technologies such as porous mixes can help delay road submersion by facilitating rapid rainwater infiltration, their durability and long-term performance are often inadequate. The objective of this study was to introduce a novel approach to creating a new generation of asphalt emulsions with enhanced water repellency and luminescence properties. To achieve this objective, a laboratory test factorial was developed to modify two types of asphalt emulsions with a superhydrophobic nanomaterial, polytetrafluoroethylene, and a Europium-doped strontium aluminate luminescent material. Laboratory test results indicated that all tested emulsion blends exhibited enhanced hydrophobicity, as evidenced by contact angle measurements exceeding 90°. Meanwhile, incorporating luminescent materials enhanced nighttime visibility but slightly reduced hydrophobicity due to their hydrophilic nature. Further, permeability tests revealed reduced water infiltration for all modified emulsions, indicating enhanced waterproof properties of the asphalt surface, irrespective of the type of asphalt emulsion used. The study also assessed the effects on aggregate retention and adhesion strength, indicating an increase in aggregate loss and a decrease in bond strength with the integration of hydrophobic and luminescent characteristics. However, nearly all measurements remained within the acceptable range of 10% aggregate loss, predicting an adequate performance in the field.