Coated Fiber Bundle Asphalt Modifier to Prevent Fiber Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing asphalt pavements face issues such as low flexibility, frequent cracks and potholes, short service life, and high maintenance costs, while cement concrete pavements have long curing times, complex installation, and high repair costs, and existing fiber reinforcement methods for asphalt mixtures suffer from fiber aggregation and high production complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An asphalt modifier comprising a reinforcing fiber bundle coated with a mixture of low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, and an inorganic material, which is mixed with aggregate and asphalt binder to form a durable and cost-effective asphalt mixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforcing fiber is mixed with aggregate and asphalt binder to prevent cracks and plastic deformation, then the strength and durability of asphalt pavement is improved, but fiber aggregation occurs during production which interferes with the use of reinforcing fiber
Solution Approach 1:
A coating layer comprising polyethylene and an inorganic material is applied to the surface of the reinforcing fiber bundle, acting as an intermediary substance that prevents direct contact and aggregation between fibers. This coating layer serves as a mediator that maintains fiber separation during mixing while allowing the fibers to provide reinforcement to the asphalt pavement.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing fiber bundle is transformed into a composite structure by coating it with a combination of polyethylene and inorganic material. This composite coating provides both separation functionality (preventing aggregation) and reinforcement functionality (improving pavement strength), resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If individual coating of materials and mixing together is performed to prevent fiber aggregation, then fiber dispersion is improved, but the production process becomes complicated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coating process merges multiple functions into a single step: the coating layer is applied to the reinforcing fiber bundle in one operation, simultaneously providing aggregation prevention, dispersion promotion, and reinforcement enhancement. This eliminates the need for separate coating and mixing steps, simplifying the production process while maintaining effective fiber dispersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating layer comprising polyethylene and inorganic material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a dispersant to prevent fiber aggregation, provides a bonding interface between fiber and asphalt binder, and contributes to the overall reinforcement of the pavement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and processes needed.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If high-viscosity asphalt binder modified with polymer is used to increase service life and prevent cracks, then the durability of asphalt pavement is improved, but the production cost and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using expensive polymer-modified asphalt binder, the invention employs a more economical approach by using a coating layer of polyethylene and inorganic material on reinforcing fibers. This cheaper alternative achieves similar durability improvements through mechanical reinforcement rather than chemical modification of the asphalt binder, reducing production complexity and cost.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The asphalt modifier enhances the strength and toughness of the mixture, reducing fiber aggregation and lowering production costs, while improving the flexibility and durability of asphalt pavements.
Implementation Method 1
a coating layer forming the envelope of the reinforcing fiber bundle and comprising polyethylene and an inorganic material
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an asphalt modifier for an asphalt mixture and an asphalt mixture containing the same, and more particularly, to an asphalt modifier in which a coating layer containing low-melting-point polyethylene and an inorganic material is formed on a reinforcing fiber bundle. Preferably, the asphalt modifier according to the present disclosure is intended to be mixed with aggregate and an asphalt binder, and comprises: a reinforcing fiber bundle having a length of 8 to 34 mm and composed of a plurality of reinforcing fiber strands; and a coating layer forming the envelope of the reinforcing fiber bundle and comprising polyethylene and an inorganic material.