Linear viscoelastic behaviour of asphalt binders modified with polymer/clay nanocomposites

The present contribution focuses on asphalt modification with polymeric nanocomposites. Bitumen/polymer/clay ternary blends were prepared using linear SBS copolymer mixed with an organo-modified montmorillonite. Dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA) were performed in the extended domain of temperature and frequency to analyse the thermo-rheological behaviour of the blends. The mechanical response was found to be intimately influenced by the nanocomposite modification and a solid-like behaviour with no Newtonian transition appeared. Morphological analyses allowed to associate variations in material properties with the enhanced compatibility promoted by clay. Relations between the nanocomposite characteristics and the behaviour of the final binder were individuated and discussed.