Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Document Type
Dissertation
Abstract
This study aimed to develop multifunctional asphalt emulsions incorporating super hydrophobicity and luminescent properties to enhance pavement durability, water resistance, and nighttime visibility. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and Strontium Aluminate (SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺) were integrated into BC-1HT and CSS-1H asphalt emulsions both as modifiers and coatings on Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) and Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) surfaces. Performance evaluations included surface wettability (contact angle), permeability, durability (rutting cycles), anti-icing properties, luminescence, texture depth, sweep test, bitumen bond strength (BBS) tests, and chemical and morphological characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and SARA fractionation. Results demonstrated enhanced water resistance across all modified emulsions and coatings, with superhydrophobic and multifunctional coatings achieving contact angles exceeding 150°, significantly reducing permeability. The Effective Luminescent Area Ratio (ELAR) peaked at 80.24% (4% SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺, 9-second spray duration), effectively enhancing nighttime visibility. Ice formation was delayed from 33 minutes (control) to 124 minutes (superhydrophobic) and 94 minutes (multifunctional coatings), indicating superior anti-icing properties. Sweep tests confirmed aggregate loss below 10%, ensuring strong adhesion, while BBS results indicated superior bond strength in multifunctional emulsions. FTIR and SARA analyses validated molecular interactions and colloidal stability.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was also conducted to evaluate the seepage characteristics of the newly developed modified emulsions and coatings. The results indicated increased surface runoff when the new coating was used, mitigating water infiltration risks and enhancing pavement resilience in flood-prone conditions. Cost-effectiveness analysis identified optimal PTFE (10–15%) and SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺ (2–4%) dosages, ensuring a balance between performance and economic feasibility. These findings confirm that PTFE-SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺-based emulsions and coatings offer a sustainable, cost-effective solution for moisture-induced damage prevention, improved visibility, and enhanced road safety in adverse conditions.
Date
4-3-2025
Recommended Citation
Sarkar, Md Tanvir Ahmed, "A NEW GENERATION OF MULTI-FUNCTIONAL ASPHALT EMULSION WITH SUPERHYDROPHOBIC AND LUMINESCENT PROPERTIES" (2025). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 6766.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/6766
Committee Chair
Elseifi, Mostafa A.