Energy-Efficient Pavement Materials Infused with Phase-Change Nanomaterials for Smart Transportation Infrastructure

In this study, asphalt and Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) pavements are developed to include nano-encapsulated paraffin-based phase-change nanomaterials (PCNs) to thermoregulate smart transportation infrastructure. At 38-45° C phase transition temperature, PCN stores latent heat during peak sunlight exposure and lowers the surface temperatures and thermal gradients leading to rutting and fatigue cracking. Sol-gel and polymeric microcapsules stabilization is used in the nano-encapsulation to sustain the stability of the nano-encapsules at mechanical loads and temperature cycle up to 200° C. The performance issues are tested with TESIM finite element simulation and real-time diurnal thermocouple monitoring. Findings indicate maximum 11°C surface temperature savings (55°C^44°C), briefer thermal fielding, 5-10°C lagging and 15% longer fatigue lifestyles as compared to traditional pavements. Mechanical testing: Stability retention of 5-10 wt% PCN loading of 95% of baseline, 5-10 wt% Marshall stability at 5-10 wt% loading. Stability Less than 500 thermal cycles is less than 2% leakage. These adaptable pavements are more sustainable as it minimizes the urban heat islands, prolongs life span of pavements by 20-25%, and removes the need to use mechanical cooling and still maintains structural integrity to be used in smart cities.