Potential Use of Nano Clay in Waste Polymer Modified Asphalt

The U.S. has 2.8 million miles of paved roads, with 94% surfaced with asphalt. Asphalt binder, derived from fossil fuels, necessitates the search for sustainable alternatives. This project explores using waste Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) plastics as a partial asphalt replacement to enhance durability at a lower cost. Additionally, we will investigate the effects of incorporating nano montmorillonite clay into LDPE-modified asphalt. To ensure compatibility, surfactants will convert the hydrophilic clay into a hydrophobic form before mixing. Performance evaluation will include dynamic shear rheometer analysis across three asphalt categories: unaged, short-term aged (using a rolling thin film oven), and long-term aged (using a pressure aging vessel). We will compare four sample types: conventional asphalt, LDPE-modified asphalt, nano montmorillonite clay- modified asphalt, and a combination of LDPE and nano clay-modified asphalt. The Hamburg Immersion Wheel Tracker (HIWT) test will be conducted to assess the rutting resistance of the most effective binder by simulating the combined impact of moisture and traffic loads, replicating field conditions. Beyond performance analysis, the study will assess durability and cost reductions associated with these modified materials. By integrating waste plastics and nanomaterials, this research aims to enhance the sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and durability of pavement materials.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $608,021.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552344813

  69A3552348318

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  National Center for Infrastructure Transformation

  Prairie View A&M University
  Prairie View, TX  United States  77446
• Performing Organizations:

  Prairie View A&M University

  Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
  P.O. Box 519
  Prairie View, TX  United States  77446
• Principal Investigators:

  Kommalapati, Raghava

  Hsu, Jia-Lin

• Start Date: 20260201
• Expected Completion Date: 20280131
• Actual Completion Date: 20280131
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers
• Source Data: 03-42-PVAMU

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Rheometers; Rutting; Sustainable development; Wastes
• Subject Areas: Design; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 02001910
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: National Center for Infrastructure Transformation
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552344813, 69A3552348318
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Sep 10 2026 8:34AM