Experimental researches of characteristics of bitumen reinforced with carbon nanotubes.

Bitumen is organic binder consisting of highly molecular hydrocarbons: naphthenic, methane and aromatic, as well as oxygen, sulfur and nitrogen derivatives. Petroleum bitumen is obtained at oil refineries. It is a complex mixture of high-molecular hydrocarbons. The greatest use of bitumen is found in road construction. In the course of research, theoretical calculations and experimental confirmation of changes in the properties of bitumen when adding carbon nanotubes were made. It is established that the main mechanism for changing the properties of a mixture based on bitumen reinforced with a carbon nanomaterial is the adsorption interaction of the main components of bitumen (naphthene and anthracene) with the external surface of a carbon nanotube at a perpendicular location of the component molecule relative to the surface. Three concentrations of carbon nanotubes were tested: 0.1%, 0.01%, 0.001% in a bitumen mixture, as well as a reference sample without adding carbon nanotubes to compare changes in indicators. Based on the research conducted in the course of this work, it can be stated that the proposed method of strengthening the asphalt concrete coating by reinforcing the main component of the coating – bitumen – improves its physical and mechanical properties and, accordingly, increases the service life of the roadbed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]