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Enhancing rheological and ageing performance of asphalt binders using hazelnut shell biochar additives
Camila Martínez-Toledo,
Gonzalo Valdés-Vidal,
Alejandra Calabi-Floody,
María Eugenia González,
Antonieta Ruiz 
,
Cristian Mignolet,
Jose Norambuena-Contreras ,
Rafael Villegas,
Jose L. Concha
,
Cristian Mignolet,
Jose Norambuena-Contreras ,
Rafael Villegas,
Jose L. Concha
Construction and Building Materials, Volume: 514, Start page: 145507
Swansea University Author:
Jose Norambuena-Contreras
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DOI (Published version): 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2026.145507
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of biochars derived from European hazelnut shells as modifiers of the antioxidant, physical, and rheological properties of asphalt binders used in road construction. Two types of biochar (BH) were produced via slow pyrolysis at 300 °C (BH1) and 550 °C (BH2) with a res...
| Published in: | Construction and Building Materials |
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| ISSN: | 0950-0618 |
| Published: |
Elsevier BV
2026
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| Online Access: |
Check full text
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa71555 |
| Abstract: |
This study evaluated the effect of biochars derived from European hazelnut shells as modifiers of the antioxidant, physical, and rheological properties of asphalt binders used in road construction. Two types of biochar (BH) were produced via slow pyrolysis at 300 °C (BH1) and 550 °C (BH2) with a residence time of 1 h, and were incorporated into unaged, short-term aged (RTFO), and long-term aged (PAV) asphalt binders. Phenolic compounds of the BHs were identified by liquid chromatography, while their antioxidant effect on asphalt binders was assessed using spectroscopic analyses. Physical properties (rotational viscosity, penetration, softening point, Fraass breaking point) and rheological properties (rutting parameter G*/sin(δ), Rheological Ageing Index, multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR), fatigue parameter (G*∙sin(δ), crossover temperature, and complex modulus |G*|) were measured in all ageing states. The results revealed that both BHs mitigated binder ageing, as evidenced by reductions in ageing indices and oxygenated structures. BH1’s antioxidant effect was attributed to its phenolic compounds, whereas BH2’s effect was attributed to its porous morphology, which facilitated the adsorption of volatiles. Physically, BH reduced viscosity by up to 16 % after PAV ageing, maintained penetration, and lowered the softening point, although Fraass breaking points increased due to particle stiffening. Rheologically, BH improved rutting resistance by up to 8 % during the early ageing stages. After PAV ageing, it mitigated stiffness gain, preserved viscoelastic behaviour, and reduced |G*| at low temperatures compared with the controls. Overall, recycled hazelnut shell BH enhanced the ageing resistance and thermal stability of bituminous binders through distinct mechanisms, offering a potentially viable option to extend the service life of road pavement materials. |
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| Keywords: |
Hazelnut shell biochar; Antioxidant properties; Physical properties; Rheological properties; Asphalt ageing |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Funders: |
This research was funded by the National Research and Development Agency (ANID) from the Government of Chile, through the Research Project FONDECYT Regular 2023 No. 1230035. |
| Start Page: |
145507 |