Impact of Graphene Oxide on Zero Shear Viscosity, Fatigue Life and Low-Temperature Properties of Asphalt Binder

This study has investigated the impact of graphene oxide (GO) in enhancing the performance properties of an asphalt binder. The control asphalt binder (60/70 PEN) was blended with GO in contents of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5%. The permanent deformation behavior of the modified asphalt binders was evaluated based on the zero shear viscosity (ZSV) parameter through a steady shear test approach. Superpave fatigue test and the linear amplitude sweep (LAS) method were used to evaluate the fatigue behavior of the binders. A bending beam rheometer (BBR) test was conducted to evaluate the low-temperature cracking behavior. Furthermore, the storage stability of the binders was investigated using a separation test. The results of the ZSV test showed that GO considerably enhanced the steady shear viscosity and ZSV value, showing a significant contribution of the GO to the deformation resistance; moreover, GO modification changed the asphalt binder’s behavior from Newtonian to shear-thinning flow. A notable improvement in fatigue life was observed with the addition of GO to the binder based on the LAS test results and Superpave fatigue parameter. The BBR test results revealed that compared to the control asphalt, the GO-modified binders showed lower creep stiffness (S) and higher creep rate (m-value), indicating increased cracking resistance at low temperatures. Finally, the GO-modified asphalt binders exhibited good storage stability under high temperatures.