The Impact of Batu Bahat Soft Clay on the Properties of Modified Asphalt Binders

Various materials have been employed globally to enhance road performance by modifying asphalt binders and mixtures. Polymers and nanomaterials are notable for their capacity to enhance the physical and rheological characteristics of modified asphalt cement. This research introduces a new natural modifier called Batu Pahat Soft Clay (BPSC) for asphalt cement. Various amounts of BPSC (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% by weight of asphalt cement) were examined using conventional techniques like dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and surface energy tests. The results revealed substantial enhancements in physical properties, with penetration increasing by 4% and softening points decreasing by 22%. Moreover, the susceptibility of the modified binder to elevated temperatures was reduced by 10% compared to the base asphalt cements. SEM analysis confirmed uniform dispersion of BPSC particles, resulting in increased binder stiffness. The rheological properties saw remarkable improvement, particularly at temperatures of 45°C and 70°C, with enhancements of up to 142% and 99%, respectively. The ability to recover under various stress levels showcased the superior performance of the modified binder, with improvements of 90%, 76%, and 67% compared to the base asphalt cements.