Enhancing the Functional and Environmental Properties of Asphalt Binders and Asphalt Mixtures Using Tourmaline Anion Powder Modification

Abstract

Due to its good piezoelectric and thermoelectrical properties, tourmaline anion powder (TAP) can be used as a potential modifier to improve the piezoelectric, thermoelectric, rheological, and mechanical properties of asphalt binders and asphalt mixtures, respectively. This study was conducted to investigate the functional, piezoelectric, and thermoelectric properties of a TAP-modified asphalt binder (TAPMA) and the corresponding asphalt mixtures. In the study, the TAPMA’s environmental friendliness, such as the volatile organic compound (VOC) adsorption and metal immobilization, were investigated. Compared to TAP at 3.95 pC/N, the piezoelectric constant of TAPMA was found to be 3.42 pC/N. In general, the results indicated that TAP could potentially improve the functional properties of asphalt binders and asphalt mixtures, including the piezoelectric and thermoelectrical properties. With respect to environmental enhancement, the asphalt binder VOC emission reduced to 50% after TAP addition. In terms of metal immobilization, the heavy metals Fe and Ti exhibited the best stability followed by the alkali metals Li, K and Na, and lastly, Ca and Mg, respectively. Nonetheless, the emission concentrations of all the metals were below the regulatory threshold. Furthermore, the study findings also indicated that TAPMA can potentially adsorb the tail gas emissions of vehicles and heavy metals.