A study investigating the influence of nano Al2O3 on the performance of SBS modified asphalt binder

• SBS and nano Al 2 O 3 is proposed as composite asphalt modifier. • Enhanced asphalt performance at high and intermediate temperatures. • Improved performance in in a wide range of time-temperature domains. • Al 2 O 3 /SBS nanocomposite improved the anti-aging performance of asphalt binder. • Nano Al 2 O 3 improves the storage stability of the SBS modified asphalt. The present study investigates the effect of using nano Al 2 O 3 as a modifier for SBS modified asphalt binders. The effects of varying concentrations (1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%) of nano Al 2 O 3 on SBS modified asphalt binder were evaluated by utilizing various physical tests like penetration, softening point, elastic recovery, and penetration index test. Rheological investigations were carried out by performing frequency sweep tests. Rutting and fatigue performance of the modified asphalt binders was evaluated by using the Superpave rutting parameter, multiple stress creep and recovery test, Superpave fatigue parameter, and linear amplitude sweep tests. Furthermore, the storage stability of the modified asphalt binders was evaluated and the separation index was calculated. The aging resistance was evaluated by using the aging index based on the Superpave rutting parameter. Results showed that the addition of nano Al 2 O 3 has a positive effect on the rutting and fatigue performance of SBS modified asphalt binders. Storage stability of the SBS modified asphalt binders improved significantly after the addition of nano Al 2 O 3 , and the aging resistance of the asphalt binders also improved.