Investigation of the Properties Medium Grade Coconut Nano Modified Asphalt Based on Physical, SEM, and Contact Angle Tests

¹ Center for Transportation Studies, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Kartasura 57162, Indonesia
² Civil Engineering Department, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Kartasura 57162, Indonesia

Abstract

Many road pavements have experienced a decline in quality, giving rise to the issue of nanotechnology materials in the construction sector which is expected to overcome this problem. Indonesia, which is the largest palm oil-producing country in the world, needs to utilize its waste, including for pavement materials. The research aims to examine adhesion, and characteristics of asphalt and mastics asphalt based on physical properties, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and contact angles. Palm oil waste was processed into medium-Nano carbon material, then mixed with asphalt cement 60/70 at a temperature of 150ºC and stirred using a high-speed drill for 45 minutes until evenly mixed. The research results show that the carbon Nano material used has an average surface area of 115 nm² which produces dominant elements of C atoms and S atoms. The low penetration value, high softening point and ductility prove that the ability to increase the strength, temperature resistance and cohesion of mastics asphalt is better than AC 60/70. Apart from that, the medium level of waste used can increase the adhesion of mastics asphalt. This can be seen from the contact angle obtained which is 125.830º which is smaller than using 60/70 asphalt which is 129.258º.