AFM characterization of morphological evolution and adhesion properties of ZnO/C nanosheet-modified asphalt under UV irradiation

As an organic material, asphalt is vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The effect of UV aging on physical properties has been intensively studied. In this study, large ZnO/C nanosheets were employed to shield asphalt from UV irradiation and delay the deterioration of its natural properties. The evolution of the morphology and adhesion properties of the ZnO/C nanosheet-modified asphalt material at the nanoscale was characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results show that the ZnO/C nanosheet-modified asphalt behaves differently from raw asphalt. The increase in the number of flaws can be suppressed by the addition of ZnO/C nanosheets, and the change in the adhesion properties caused by UV irradiation can also be hampered.

Automated summary

In this study, large ZnO/C nanosheets were used to protect asphalt from UV irradiation and delay its deterioration. Atomic force microscopy was used to characterize the morphology and adhesion properties of the ZnO/C nanosheet-modified asphalt material at the nanoscale. The results showed that the addition of ZnO/C nanosheets suppressed the increase in flaws and hindered the change in adhesion properties caused by UV irradiation.