Bitumen pavement with enhanced durability using carbon black and waste oil microcapsules

Abstract

This invention relates to a bitumen pavement system enhanced for durability through the innovative use of carbon black and waste oil microcapsules. Traditional bitumen pavements often suffer from degradation due to environmental factors and heavy traffic loads, leading to increased maintenance costs and reduced lifespan. This advanced pavement system incorporates carbon black to improve resistance to cracking and wear, while waste oil microcapsules are integrated to provide self- healing properties. As a result, the pavement can recover from minor damages autonomously, significantly extending its service life. This invention not only enhances the performance of bitumen pavements but also contributes to sustainability by utilizing waste materials, making it an effective solution for modern road construction and maintenance. The system is designed for easy application, allowing for seamless integration into existing road construction practices, thus promoting durable and environmentally friendly infrastructure.

Description

[0001] Bitumen Pavement with Enhanced Durability Using Carbon Black and Waste Oil Microcapsules

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The field of the invention pertains to civil engineering and materials science, specifically focusing on the enhancement of bitumen pavement systems through innovative additives. This invention integrates carbon black and waste oil microcapsules to improve the durability and sustainability of road surfaces. It lies at the intersection of materials engineering, environmental sustainability, and transportation infrastructure, aiming to address challenges such as pavement degradation, maintenance costs, and environmental impacts. By enhancing the performance of bitumen pavements, this invention contributes to the development of resilient urban infrastructure that can withstand heavy traffic and environmental stressors while promoting resource recovery and sustainability in construction practices.

[0004] Prior Art:

[0005] In the field of asphalt modification and recycling, several patents have introduced notable innovations, yet our invention demonstrates clear superiority in terms of performance, sustainability, and technological integration.

[0006] Patent US781 1373B2 presents a method for recycling tire rubber by incorporating it into asphalt mastics. The process involves pre-treating a mixture of recycled tire rubber, carbonaceous waste solids, and oils with heat to remove volatile components. While this method improves workability and long-term performance in paving applications, it lacks the comprehensive approach of our invention, which not only incorporates waste materials but also enhances the durability of the asphalt through innovative microencapsulation techniques.

[0007] Patent CN109971 194A relates to road engineering materials, specifically a high- modulus rubber asphalt and its preparation method. The formulation includes asphalt, composite modifiers, and waste tire rubber powder, which offers benefits such as high modulus and strong crack resistance. However, it does not address the integration of waste oil, which our invention utilizes to further enhance the asphalt's properties, providing additional flexibility and durability.

[0008] Patent CN1 1 1433288A involves modifying asphalt binder using oil derived from the pyrolysis of scrap tires, resulting in a modified asphalt composition with improved characteristics. While it successfully reduces Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) content, the method lacks the environmentally sustainable approach of our invention, which incorporates waste oil microcapsules that not only improve performance but also contribute to reducing environmental impact.

[0009] Patent US12031042B2 describes an asphalt binder modifier made by treating rerefined engine oil bottoms or vacuum tower bottoms with injected air. The process can also involve blending the treated oil with ground tire rubber. While this enhances the performance of asphalt binders, our method goes a step further by utilizing carbon black in conjunction with waste oil microcapsules to create a more resilient and eco- friendly pavement solution.

[0010] Patent CN103146207B focuses on an ultraviolet (UV) aging-resistant compound modified asphalt, which includes a mixture of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymer and waste rubber powder. Although this formulation enhances UV resistance, it does not fully exploit the potential of waste oil and carbon black to improve asphalt performance. Our invention's unique combination of these materials not only promotes recycling but also ensures greater durability and longevity of asphalt pavements.

[0011] The proposed Bitumen Pavement with Enhanced Durability Using Carbon Black and Waste Oil Microcapsules stands out for its innovative use of waste materials and advanced engineering techniques. Unlike existing patents, which often focus on specific modifications or materials, our invention provides a comprehensive solution for enhancing asphalt durability across a wide range of applications. This ensures improved performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in road construction practices. Description

[0012] Given the increasing demands for durable and sustainable road infrastructure, along with the limitations of traditional bitumen pavements in resisting wear and environmental degradation, innovative solutions are essential.

[0013] The Bitumen Pavement with Enhanced Durability Using Carbon Black and Waste Oil Microcapsules described in this invention offers a novel approach specifically designed to improve the longevity and performance of pavement surfaces. By incorporating carbon black and microencapsulated waste oil, the pavement enhances its resilience to cracking and deformation, ensuring better load-bearing capacity and durability against the elements.

[0014] This invention is particularly timely in light of the rising concerns over infrastructure sustainability and maintenance costs.

[0015] Traditional bitumen pavements often suffer from rapid degradation due to factors such as temperature fluctuations and heavy traffic loads. The proposed pavement system addresses these issues by optimizing the material properties of bitumen, making it more resistant to wear and tear while also enhancing its flexibility and strength. This results in longer-lasting pavements that require less frequent maintenance and repair.

[0016] The innovative use of carbon black and waste oil microcapsules not only improves the mechanical properties of the pavement but also promotes environmental sustainability by incorporating recycled materials into the construction process.

[0017] This approach contributes to reducing the carbon footprint associated with new pavement production and encourages resource conservation within the construction industry. Designed for seamless integration with existing road construction practices, this enhanced bitumen pavement system is scalable and adaptable, making it suitable for various applications, from urban roadways to rural highways.

[0018] Its ability to withstand extreme conditions while maintaining structural integrity positions it as a significant advancement in pavement technology. By addressing the challenges of durability, environmental impact, and maintenance efficiency, this invention provides a forward-thinking solution to modern road construction, contributing to the development of resilient infrastructure for future generations.

[0019] The Bitumen Pavement with Enhanced Durability Using Carbon Black and Waste Oil Microcapsules represents an innovative solution aimed at improving the durability and performance of asphalt pavements.

[0020] This invention integrates carbon black and waste oil microcapsules into bitumen to enhance its mechanical properties and resistance to environmental factors. By employing advanced techniques to encapsulate waste oil, the pavement mixture can release the oil gradually, providing lubrication and reducing brittleness, thereby extending the lifespan of the pavement.

[0021] The incorporation of carbon black not only contributes to the asphalt's flexibility but also enhances its resistance to UV degradation and thermal aging.

[0022] This dual approach results in a bitumen pavement that exhibits superior durability, capable of withstanding the stresses of heavy traffic and varying weather conditions. The use of waste materials such as tire rubber and waste oil not only promotes sustainability in construction practices but also significantly reduces material costs, making it an economically viable alternative.

[0023] Designed to be compatible with conventional asphalt mixing processes, this innovative formulation allows for seamless integration into existing road construction practices. The enhanced bitumen pavement is particularly beneficial in regions with high traffic volumes and extreme weather patterns, providing a robust and environmentally friendly solution to modern paving challenges. This technology not only addresses the pressing need for durable infrastructure but also contributes to resource conservation and waste reduction in the construction industry

[0001] ,

[0024] The proposed Bitumen Pavement with Enhanced Durability Using Carbon Black and Waste Oil Microcapsules stands out for its innovative use of waste materials and advanced engineering techniques.

[0025] Unlike existing patents, which often focus on specific modifications or materials, our invention provides a comprehensive solution for enhancing asphalt durability across a wide range of applications. This ensures improved performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in road construction practices.

[0026] 1. Enhanced Durability Through Carbon Black Integration: The invention claims a bitumen pavement system enhanced with carbon black to significantly improve resistance to cracking and wear, thereby extending the pavement's lifespan under heavy traffic loads and environmental stressors.

[0027] 2. Self-Healing Properties via Waste Oil Microcapsules: The integration of waste oil microcapsules into the pavement mixture is claimed to provide self-healing capabilities, allowing the pavement to autonomously recover from minor damages, thus reducing maintenance costs and enhancing overall performance.

[0028] 3. Sustainability Through Recycled Materials: use of waste materials, such as carbon black and waste oil, contributing to sustainable construction practices while improving the mechanical properties of the bitumen, thus reducing the environmental impact associated with new pavement production.

[0029] 4. Compatibility with Existing Construction Practices: The invention asserts that the enhanced bitumen pavement is designed for easy application and seamless integration into existing road construction methods, promoting durable infrastructure without the need for significant changes in construction processes.

[0030] 5. Resistance to Environmental Factors: improved performance against environmental degradation factors, such as temperature fluctuations and UV exposure, ensuring that the bitumen pavement remains functional and durable throughout its service life.

[0031] The invention of Bitumen Pavement with Enhanced Durability Using Carbon Black and Waste Oil Microcapsules presents several significant claims that collectively enhance the performance and sustainability of asphalt pavements. Firstly, the integration of carbon black is claimed to significantly improve the pavement's resistance to cracking and wear, thereby extending its lifespan under heavy traffic and environmental stressors. Additionally, the use of waste oil microcapsules is asserted to provide self-healing properties, allowing the pavement to autonomously recover from minor damages and reduce maintenance costs. The invention emphasizes sustainability by incorporating recycled materials, which not only enhances mechanical properties but also minimizes the environmental impact associated with traditional pavement production. Furthermore, the pavement is designed for compatibility with existing construction practices, ensuring easy application without requiring substantial changes to current methods. Finally, the enhanced durability of the bitumen pavement against environmental degradation factors, such as temperature fluctuations and UV exposure, is highlighted, ensuring long-lasting functionality throughout its service life.

[0032] Overwiew of the drawings

[0033] Figure 1 : Preparation Process of C-M

[0034] This figure illustrates the preparation process for carbon black and waste oil microcapsules (C-M). It depicts the sequential steps involved, starting from the emulsification of the core material, including carbon black and an asphalt rejuvenator. The process includes heating, adding surfactants, and emulsifying agents like Sodium Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonate (SDBS) in water. It highlights the molecular structures of the core and shell materials used in the microcapsules, emphasizing the chemical interactions necessary for creating a stable and effective microcapsule. This detailed representation underscores the complexity of microencapsulation in developing high- performance asphalt materials.

[0035] Figure 2: Modulus |G| (MPa) versus Strain (%) for Bitumen and Microcapsule Bitumen

[0036] This graph presents the dynamic modulus |G*| of bitumen and microcapsule bitumen across a range of strain levels, plotted on a logarithmic scale. The results show how microcapsule bitumen exhibits improved mechanical properties compared to traditional bitumen, indicating enhanced performance under various loading conditions. The graph demonstrates that microcapsule incorporation leads to higher modulus values at lower strains, suggesting better elasticity and stability of the pavement material. This figure effectively illustrates the benefits of integrating microcapsules into bitumen for pavement applications. Figure 3: Healing Ductility Test Procedure

[0037] This figure outlines the procedure for testing the healing ductility of asphalt mixtures containing microcapsules. It showcases a controlled environment where asphalt samples are subjected to a specific heating process to facilitate healing. The steps include creating controlled cracks in the samples and then applying microwave heating to induce self-healing within a defined time frame. The figure emphasizes the importance of measuring the tensile properties before and after the healing process, providing insights into the effectiveness of the healing mechanism incorporated into the asphalt design.

[0038] Figure 4: Morphological Characteristics of Microcapsules

[0039] This figure displays the morphological characteristics of the prepared microcapsules. It includes various imaging techniques, such as optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to capture the size, shape, and structural integrity of the microcapsules. The images provide a visual representation of the microcapsule surfaces and internal structures, indicating successful encapsulation of the core materials. The analysis of these morphological properties is crucial for understanding the performance of microcapsules in enhancing the durability and functionality of asphalt pavements.

[0040] Figure 5: FTIR of the Transmittance (%) of Carbon Black, Microcapsules, and C-M

[0041] This figure presents Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) results depicting the transmittance percentages of carbon black, microcapsules, and the C-M composite across a specified wavenumber range. The graph demonstrates the absorption characteristics of each material, providing insights into their chemical compositions and functional groups. This analysis is vital for understanding how the incorporation of microcapsules affects the overall properties of the asphalt mixture, particularly in terms of chemical stability and performance.

[0042] Figure 6: Core Content and Macroscopic State

[0043] This figure presents the core content percentages of different formulations of microcapsules, displayed alongside their macroscopic states in various samples. The bar graph highlights how varying the dosage of carbon black influences the core content within the microcapsules. It visually correlates the physical appearance of the samples, showcasing the effectiveness of microencapsulation as the core content increases, thus improving the material's performance characteristics in asphalt applications.

[0044] Figure 7: Residual Weight (%) versus Temperature (°C)

[0045] This figure illustrates the relationship between residual weight and temperature for different concentrations of materials (0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%). It demonstrates how the residual weight decreases as the temperature increases, indicating thermal degradation of the materials. The inset provides a closer look at the critical temperature ranges where significant weight loss occurs, suggesting stability at lower temperatures and potential vulnerabilities at higher temperatures. This information is crucial for assessing the thermal performance and longevity of asphalt pavements containing the studied materials.

[0046] Figure 8: Preparation Principle of C-M

[0047] This figure outlines the preparation principle of carbon black and waste oil microcapsules (C-M) used in enhancing the durability of bitumen pavement. It illustrates the steps involved, beginning with carbon black and shell materials being subjected to microwave radiation, leading to a temperature rise. This heat causes the core materials to be released from the microcapsules. The diagram emphasizes the molecular interactions occurring during this process, showing how the encapsulation mechanism works to enhance the properties of the resulting materials.

[0048] Figure 9: Rheological Properties of CMB

[0049] This graph presents the rheological properties of the microcapsule-modified bitumen (CMB) compared to standard bitumen. It plots the complex modulus |G*| (in kPa) and the rutting factor (5) against temperature (°C). The results indicate that microcapsule bitumen maintains higher stiffness compared to traditional bitumen across the temperature range, suggesting enhanced resistance to deformation. This data implies that the incorporation of microcapsules significantly improves the mechanical performance of bitumen, making it more suitable for high-load applications in paving. Figure 10: Fatigue-Rest-Fatigue Test Results

[0050] This figure illustrates the results of a fatigue-rest-fatigue test conducted on bitumen and microcapsule-modified bitumen. It shows the |G*| values over a series of cycles, indicating the material's ability to withstand repetitive loading. The accompanying bar graph presents the healing index (HI), which quantifies the material's recovery ability after fatigue. The data demonstrates that the microcapsule-modified bitumen exhibits superior fatigue resistance and healing capabilities, highlighting its potential for extending the lifespan of pavement materials.

[0051] Figure 1 1 : Comparison of 10°C Ductility and Healing Index

[0052] This figure compares the ductility at 10°C and the healing index (Hl%) for bitumen and CMB samples under three conditions: reference, direct healing, and microwave healing. The results show that both direct and microwave healing processes significantly improve ductility and healing index compared to untreated samples. The bar graph emphasizes the positive impact of healing methods on the performance of modified bitumen, indicating that CMB samples can restore ductility effectively, which is critical for maintaining pavement integrity.

[0053] Figure 12: Temperature Variation of Bitumen

[0054] This figure presents the temperature variation of bitumen and CMB under heating conditions. The infrared thermogram on the left shows the thermal response over time, while the temperature variation curve on the right quantifies the change in temperature with time. The data illustrates how CMB achieves higher temperatures faster than traditional bitumen, suggesting enhanced thermal conductivity and the potential for more effective healing processes under temperature fluctuations.

[0055] Figure 13: Mass Loss (%) versus Temperature

[0056] This graph displays the mass loss percentage of various material concentrations (0%, 1 %, 2%, and 3%) against temperature (°C). The results indicate that as temperature increases, mass loss also rises across all concentrations. This data reflects the thermal stability of the materials, with higher concentrations showing increased resistance to thermal degradation. Understanding mass loss characteristics is essential for evaluating the performance and durability of the materials in asphalt applications.

[0057] Figure 14: Ductility Comparison Before and After Microwave Treatment

[0058] This figure compares the ductility of samples before and after microwave treatment at various concentrations of carbon black. The results indicate a marked improvement in ductility following microwave treatment, particularly at higher concentrations. This enhancement signifies the effectiveness of microwave healing in restoring material properties, which is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of bitumen pavements exposed to environmental stresses.

[0059] Figure 15: CM-B Mechanism

[0060] This figure illustrates the mechanism behind the microcapsule modification process for bitumen. It shows the impact of microwave radiation on microcapsules, leading to the release of core materials as temperatures rise. The diagram emphasizes the interactions between bitumen and waste oil molecules, resulting in molecular crosslinking that enhances the durability of the modified bitumen. This conceptual representation underscores the innovative strategy employed to improve bitumen performance using microcapsules, highlighting its potential benefits in pavement applications.

[0061] References:

[0062] Toghroli, A., et al., A review on pavement porous concrete using recycled waste materials. Smart Struct. Syst, 2018. 22(4): p. 433-440.

Claims

Claims:1 . A bitumen pavement composition comprising:• Carbon black, incorporated within the bitumen to improve UV resistance, reduce thermal aging, and enhance flexibility;• Waste oil microcapsules, encapsulated within the bitumen matrix to gradually release oil, providing lubrication, reducing brittleness, and offering self-healing capabilities in response to minor structural damage.

2. A method for preparing a durable bitumen pavement comprising:• Mixing carbon black and waste oil microcapsules into the bitumen, wherein the carbon black enhances mechanical resilience and UV stability, and the waste oil microcapsules deliver self-healing properties through gradual oil release.

3. The bitumen pavement composition of claim 1 , wherein carbon black is present in concentrations between 0.5% to 5% by weight of the total bitumen mixture, optimizing flexibility and crack resistance.

4. The bitumen pavement composition of claim 1 , wherein waste oil microcapsules are encapsulated with materials selected from biodegradable polymers or other environmentally friendly compounds that gradually break down to release oil under stress or thermal conditions.

5. The bitumen pavement composition of claim 1 , further comprising recycled tire rubber or other sustainable fillers, thereby enhancing resilience to wear and promoting environmental sustainability.

6. The bitumen pavement composition of claim 1 , wherein the microcapsules release oil within a temperature range of 10°C to 60°C, suitable for mitigating temperature-induced brittleness in varied climates.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein the preparation process includes emulsifying carbon black and waste oil in water with surfactants prior to incorporation intobitumen, ensuring consistent distribution and enhanced performance characteristics.

8. The bitumen pavement composition of claim 1 , wherein the self-healing process is activated under mechanical stress, leading to microcapsule rupture and oil release that fills micro-cracks, restoring structural integrity and extending pavement lifespan.

9. The bitumen pavement composition of claim 1 , characterized by its compatibility with conventional asphalt mixing and application methods, allowing for seamless integration into standard road construction practices.

10. A pavement composition of claim 1 , wherein the carbon black and waste oil microcapsules contribute to reducing the overall carbon footprint of the pavement by using recycled materials, thus promoting sustainable road construction practices.11 . A bitumen pavement with enhanced durability and sustainability, wherein the combined use of carbon black and waste oil microcapsules results in a pavement with:• Enhanced mechanical strength and flexibility,• Self-healing capabilities that minimize maintenance needs,• Improved environmental sustainability through the incorporation of recycled and waste materials.

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