Research on rheological property of hydrochar based bio modified asphalt binder: A promising way to solve environmental problems caused by waste corn stalks

A large number of corn stalks are produced with the development of agriculture, while the inappropriate disposal will cause serious problems to the environment. However, limited researches are available which investigate the feasibility of applying corn stalks in asphalt. The main goal of this research is to explore the possibility of using Hydrochar(HC) from corn stalks as a novel asphalt modifier. In this study, HC was produced from corn stalks by a new method called hydrothermal carbonization. The comprehensive rheological properties of Hydrochar modified asphalt(HCMA) with different HC dosages were investigated by Bending beam rheometer (BBR) and Dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). Moreover, storage stability of HCMA was also explored. The experimental results demonstrated that the HC modifier was able to enhance the rutting resistance of base asphalt. The fatigue performance of base asphalt was improved by HC. Furthermore, rutting resistance showed an upward trend and fatigue performance showed a downward trend with the increasing of HC content. However, the addition of HC adversely affected the low temperature cracking resistance of base asphalt. Besides, the storage ability of HCMA should be improved. Finally, it is believed that the application of HC from corn stalks as asphalt modifier in warm regions is a promising way to reduce environmental pollution and hydrothermal carbonization is a promising approach to solve environmental problems caused by corn stalks.