EAGER: A Breakthrough Concept in the Preparation of Highly-Sustainable Asphalt Mixtures

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge LA

Investigators

Abstract

This EAGER research project will test the hypothesis that titanium dioxide (TiO2) can function as a photocatalytic compound when used as a modifier to asphalt binder in the preparation of warm-mix asphalt (WMA). This would result in new class of asphalt mixtures with superior environmental performance while providing comparable mechanical performance to conventional mixtures. The proposed asphalt mixture will combine the benefits of WMA such as reduced energy consumption and emission during production with the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 to trap and degrade organic and inorganic particles in the air. The results of this proposal may result in a new class of WMA that may be used to reduce air pollution in urban and metropolitan areas while achieving energy savings by lowering the amount of fuel required to heat asphalt mix during production and placement, reduction of emissions, and possibility of increasing Reclaimed Asphalt Pavements (RAP) contents in the mix without the need to raise mixing temperature. The planned activities are expected to enhance the understanding of sustainable construction materials for undergraduate and graduate students especially among underrepresented groups.