Research on preparation and road performance of graphene oxide framework modified asphalt and asphalt mixture based on micro-mechanism and grey correlation analysis

Recently, graphene-based materials have attracted numerous researchers for their stable and exceptional properties. However, studies on graphene oxide framework (GOF) modified asphalt materials remained limited. Based on laboratory research, this study investigated effects of varying GOF dosages on physical and road performance of modified asphalt and mixtures. Initially, GOF dispersion was synthesized by graphene oxide anhydrous ethanol solution and KH550 silane coupling agent under acidic conditions, subsequently employed to modify matrix asphalt, yielding GOF modified asphalt (GOFMA). Furthermore, the influence of GOF on asphalt performance and its mechanism were studied through physical, SEM, FTIR, EDS and DSC tests. Then, effects of varying GOF contents on road performance of mixtures were evaluated by laboratory experiments including rutting tests, immersion Marshall test, three-point bending beam tests and freeze-thaw splitting tests. Finally, grey correlation analysis was conducted to quantitatively assess the correlation degree between road performance and GOF contents. The results manifested excellent thermal conductivity of GOF, lower glass transition temperature and the stability of micro-three-dimensional network structure. Moreover, the modification process was physical blending without changes in functional groups. Additionally, grey correlation analysis demonstrated that GOF content played a positive correlation role in road performance with the most significant observed on high-temperature performance which increased by 64.69-180.23 % respectively, while negative role in ductility. In conclusion, GOFMA holds promising prospects for future development and can effectively contribute to road paving.