Characterization of nanoscale cracking at the interface between virgin and aged asphalt binders based on molecular dynamics simulations: Fid-Bau Portal

Characterization of nanoscale cracking at the interface between virgin and aged asphalt binders based on molecular dynamics simulations

Yaphary, Yohannes L. / Leng, Zhen / Wang, Haopeng / Ren, Shisong / Lu, Guoyang

Abstract

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Highlight • Nanoscale crack propagation of virgin-aged binder interface was studied. • MD simulations were conducted to characterize the nanoscale crack propagation. • The interface was modeled as trilayer phases composed of virgin, virgin-aged blended and aged binders. • Simulations and experiments indicated the cracking zones at virgin-aged asphalt binder interface. • Crack initiated from the blended binder and its interface with virgin and aged binders.

Abstract Low-temperature cracking is a major concern to improve the utilization of recycled asphalt mixture (RAM). A mechanism by which the crack propagates can provide a basis for advanced technological mitigation. Micro-crack formations in the interfacial proximity of the virgin and aged binders have been identified from electron microscopy tests. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiment showed the trilayer phases at the virgin-aged binder interface. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted to understand the nanoscopic crack propagation characteristics at the virgin-aged binder interface in the asphalt mixture with RAM. It was found that the blended binder of virgin and aged binders, and its interfaces with virgin and aged binders appeared to be the crack propagation zones. The relatively more significant matrix contraction of virgin binder and stiffer aged binder at a low temperature can cause more considerable tensile stress at the blended binder and its interfaces. Consequently, interfacial crack propagation became more profound and decreased the low-temperature cracking resistance.