Investigation on Microcrystalline Wax Doped Asphalts by Temperature Control Mode of Atomic Force Microscopy

Because of its economical and environmentally friendly characteristics, the warm mix asphalt(WMA) is widely used in pavement engineering. However, the lack of microscopic study of WMA brings difficulties in understanding of its mechanical behavior and mechanisms at macroscopic scale which finally hinders the enhancement of WMA's performance. Therefore, this article aims to use atomic force microscopy(AFM), a promising microscopic technique, to investigate the effects of wax-based warm mix agents on asphalt microstructures and micromechanical properties at different temperatures. For simplicity's sake, microcrystalline waxes are selected as an alternative of these wax-based additives. It is shown that the sample preparation method has a vital impact on the morphology of asphalt samples. The effects of microcrystalline wax on asphalt's mechanical properties can be well captured by AFM tests. Results show that the blending of #70, #80 and #90 microcrystalline waxes lowers the modulus(20—60 MPa) of Pen70 asphalt at 25 ℃ while increasing its adhesion force(5—20 n N). The results of this study may shed some light on the comprehension of the effects of wax-based additives on asphalt materials at macroscopic level which can help estimate and predict its actual performance.

Preparation and Water Retention Properties of Montmorillonite Modified by EL-10 Emulsifying Agent

Aiming at the problem of available water conservation in desertification ecological restoration, we prepared the water retention materials with montmorillonite（MMT） modified by Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether（10）（EL-10） emulsifying vegetable waxes. The water retention property was studied in simulated desertification climate, and the materials were analyzed and characterized by UV-Vis, SEM, FTIR and XRD measurements. Moreover, a UV carbon arc lamp was used to test the resistance to aging. The experimental results show that the emulsion has good dispersity. Both the water retention property and the aging resistance performance of the modified clay were excellent. The lamellar structure and chemical composition of MMT had no obvious changes before and after modification. The surfaces of clay particles were coated uniformly with modified MMT, so the loose clay particles were cemented together by vegetable waxes. Meanwhile, the original big hydrophilic pores between the clay particles turned into capillary hydrophobic pores. So the clay particles formed a bonding layer which could inhibit water evaporation. Grass-planting experiment showed that reasonable mass ratio of vegetable waxes and EL-10 was 1：18. The materials not only had great water retention property but also maintained sound air permeability so that the germination rate of grass seed significantly increased from 8% to 52%.