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From Macroscopic Performance Enhancement to Microscopic Mechanisms: Microstructural Explanation of Strength Improvement in Allophane Nano-Modified Asphalt Mixtures

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Abstract:

A previous macroscopic study demonstrated that the incorporation of allophane as a nanoadditive increase the resistant of asphalt mixtures by (28.92 + 2%) under aging conditions, prolonging the useful life of the mixture. Based on these results, analyses were performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to characterize and explain the microstructural interaction between the aggregates, the asphalt binder, and the nanomodifying additive (allophane) responsible for this improvement. The SEM-EDS analysis showed that allophane improves the compaction and continuity of the asphalt matrix, reducing voids by ≈7.5% and mass loss due to aging from 11.07% to 1.74%. Likewise, the modified mixtures showed higher C and O contents and lower Fe, evidencing greater binder retention and a mineral coating effect that increases the stability and durability of the system. TEM microscopy visually revealed areas with greater homogeneity in electron density in long-term modified samples as a compact monolithe, unlike conventional samples that show areas of low contrast. In terms of X-ray diffraction characterization, the crystallinity index of the long-term aged conventional mixture was 3.75%, while the modified mixture had a minimum variation of 0.55%. Likewise, the average crystallite size of the conventional mixture was 32.42 [nm], while the mixture with nanoadditive was 30.40 [nm], which translates into lower structural rigidity and greater flexibility of the material. These findings demonstrate that allophane acts as an effective nanomodifier by stabilizing the amorphous fraction of asphalt mixtures, limiting microstructural degradation during aging, and providing a mechanistic explanation for the enhanced macroscopic performance observed.

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Periodical:

Key Engineering Materials (Volume 1060)

Pages:

143-151

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4028/p-MwyW8j

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Online since:

July 2026

Authors:

Edward H. Jiménez*, Lisbeth M. Delgado, Ernesto Palacio, Wladimir Rivera, Juan Villalba, Alexis M. Debut

Keywords:

Aging of Asphalt Mixtures, Asphalt Mixtures, Elemental Composition of Asphalt Mixtures, Microstructural Characterization, Nanoadditive Allophane

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© 2026 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved

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