Nanomaterials Applied in Asphalt Modification: A Review

Nanotechnology has been gradually penetrated into the field of asphalt modification. Seemingly magic effects of nanomaterials have now been brought to improve the performance of asphalt. To demonstrate many of the prospective applications, researchers have conducted a series of positive and effective efforts dealing with the preparation of modified asphalt to demonstrate the mechanism of modification and the resultant improvement in performance. In this review, various nanomaterials used in asphalt modification are initially presented, followed by the methods employed to modify the asphalt with these materials and finally the effects of nanomaterials on the performance of base asphalt are presented and the modification mechanisms are discussed. Based on the current research results, the influence of preparation process parameters on the compatibility of every phase in the modified asphalt and the stability of the modified asphalt system are described. Finally, the development trend of the topic field is projected.