5.0 6.

Article

Effect of Graphene Oxide on

the Low-Temperature Crack
Resistance of Polyurethane–
SBS-Modified Asphalt and
Asphalt Mixtures

Shuai Li, Wenyuan Xu, Fengfa Zhang, He Wu and Pengchao Zhao

https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14030453
 polymers
Article
Effect of Graphene Oxide on the Low-Temperature Crack
Resistance of Polyurethane–SBS-Modified Asphalt and
Asphalt Mixtures
Shuai Li 1 , Wenyuan Xu 1, *, Fengfa Zhang 2 , He Wu 2 and Pengchao Zhao 1

1 College of Civil Engineering, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China;

[email protected] (S.L.); [email protected] (P.Z.)
2 Heilongjiang Institute of Technology, College of Civil Engineering, Harbin 150050, China;
[email protected] (F.Z.); [email protected] (H.W.)
* Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +86-15729068066

Abstract: In this study, the novel nanomaterial graphene oxide (GO) was added as a modifier to
polyurethane–styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt, and a graphene oxide/polyurethane/
SBS composite-modified asphalt mix was prepared. The effect of the graphene oxide material on
the low-temperature crack resistance of the asphalt and mixes was investigated by bending beam
rheometer (BBR) tests, beamlet bending tests at different low temperatures, and characterization by
scanning electron microscopy for its microscopic condition. OpenCV image processing was used
to visually represent the low-temperature cracking of the mix. The results of the BBR tests showed
that the incorporation of graphene oxide resulted in a reduction in creep stiffness S and an increase
in creep rate m compared with the control asphalt. The best improvement in the low-temperature
cracking resistance of the polyurethane/SBS-modified asphalt was achieved at 0.5% GO doping.





 The results of the small beam flexural tests showed that graphene oxide as a modifier improved the
Citation: Li, S.; Xu, W.; Zhang, F.; Wu,
flexural strength and flexural strain of the mix, resulting in a mix with a lower stiffness modulus and a
H.; Zhao, P. Effect of Graphene Oxide better relaxation stress capacity with the addition of graphene oxide, which is also expressed through
on the Low-Temperature Crack the OpenCV images. Graphene oxide significantly improved the low-temperature crack resistance of
Resistance of Polyurethane– polyurethane-SBS-modified asphalt and its mixes. As a new type of nanomaterial-modified asphalt,
SBS-Modified Asphalt and Asphalt graphene oxide/polyurethane/SBS composite-modified asphalt shows promising applicability in
Mixtures. Polymers 2022, 14, 453. cold zone roads.
https://doi.org/10.3390/
polym14030453 Keywords: graphene oxide modifier; roadworks; modified asphalt; low-temperature resistance;
Academic Editor: Jin-Hae Chang OpenCV graphics technology

Received: 23 December 2021

Accepted: 21 January 2022
Published: 23 January 2022
1. Introduction
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral With the prolongation of road service, asphalt pavement distress has gradually de-
with regard to jurisdictional claims in teriorated in recent years due to problems such as rutting, cracking, and spalling [1–3].
published maps and institutional affil-
Among other things, climate and environmental changes, especially low temperatures,
iations.
have a serious impact on asphalt pavements, reducing the life cycle of asphalt pavements,
increasing road maintenance costs, and significantly impacting the high quality level of
road service [3,4]. Asphalt modification is considered to be a practical solution to the low-
Copyright: © 2022 by the authors.
temperature fracture of asphalt materials, improving the low-temperature performance of
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
asphalt pavements [5]. With the development of nanotechnology, nano-modified asphalt
This article is an open access article has become a new research hotspot in the field of road transport materials. Graphene
distributed under the terms and oxide (GO) is a single atomic layer formed by the oxidation of graphite, with a unique
conditions of the Creative Commons quasi-dimensional layered structure, excellent oxygen barrier, and good intersolubility with
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// organic solvents, gaining attention as a new modifier for asphalt [6–8]. Research in recent
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ years has found that graphene oxide as a modifier can improve the elastic response and
4.0/). road performance of the asphalt matrix, forming a more stable molecular structure [9,10].

Polymers 2022, 14, 453. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14030453 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/polymers

Polymers 2022, 14, 453 2 of 14

In addition, the cost of nanomaterials has shown a decreasing trend, and with improve-
ments in manufacturing technology, their costs are likely to decrease further [11]. This
would improve the scalability of graphene oxide as an asphalt modifier to improve asphalt
road performance.
Zhang and other researchers tested the performance of styrene-butadiene-styrene-
modified asphalt using both domestic and Superpave test methods and found that the
addition of SBS modifiers improved the high-temperature performance but reduced the
temperature sensitivity of the asphalt binder [12]. Yu et al. used thermoplastic polyurethane
(TPU) as a reactive polymer modifier and found that the TPU functional group played a
role in improving the thermal properties, high-temperature storage stability, and dispersion
of the modified asphalt, but improvements in the low-temperature properties of the asphalt
were not very significant [13]. In their study of the properties of the polyurethane/graphene
oxide (PU/GO) nanocomposites prepared from graphene oxide, Yu et al. found that GO
polymer particles showed good dispersion in the asphalt system. A synergistic effect
of the polymer and nano-modification was achieved in the dispersion of modified as-
phalt materials to improve the performance of the materials [14]. Chen et al. prepared
modified bitumen using waste polyurethane (WP) instead of styrene-butadiene-styrene
(SBS) modifiers. They found that the addition of polyurethane improved the high- and
low-temperature performance of SBS-modified asphalt [3].
Although many studies have shown that the addition of polyurethane or graphene
oxide can improve the low-temperature performance of asphalt, most studies have not used
a systematic research approach to demonstrate that the incorporation of these modifiers
can form a steady-state structure that improves the low-temperature cracking performance
of asphalt and mixes [15–19]. Meanwhile, the aforementioned researchers found that
the addition of SBS and TPU did not improve the low-temperature performance and
temperature-sensitive properties of the composite-modified asphalt very well. In this study,
graphene oxide (GO) was added as a modifier to thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)–SBS-
modified bitumen, and a modified bitumen mix was prepared. Bending rheometer (BBR)
tests and low-temperature bending tests on small beams at different temperatures were
used from the asphalt and mix and the micro-level perspectives. The obtained results
were then image-processed using OpenCV image processing technology to demonstrate
the improvement of GO on the low-temperature crack resistance of TPU–SBS asphalt in a
more intuitive and systematic way. This study provides more options for the use of asphalt
pavements for roads in cold regions.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Raw Materials and Preparation of Samples
2.1.1. Asphalt Raw Materials
No. 90 matrix asphalt, originating from Panjin, China, was used as the matrix as-
phalt, and its basic technical specifications are shown in Table 1 (technical specifications
were tested according to the Standard Test Method for Asphalt and Asphalt Mixture for
Highway Engineering (JTG E20-2011)). The SBS used was SBSYH-792E thermoplastic
styrene-butadiene rubber, produced by Sinopec, with a star structure, the basic indicators of
which are shown in Table 2. Thermoplastic polyurethane granules (TPU) of German origin
were used, and their 3D structural formula is shown in Figure 1. The basic specifications
of graphene oxide (GO) are shown in Table 3. (The external appearance of the modifier is
shown in Figure 2).
Polymers 2022, 14, 453 3 of 14

Table 1. Technical specifications for the 90-base asphalt used in this study.

Technical Requirements
Test Results
(Reference GTGF40-2004)
Penetration (0.1 mm) 87.7 80–100
Softening point (Global Method) (◦ C) 47.2 ≥45
Ductility (cm) 46.5 ≥45
Solubility (%) 102.3 ≥99.9
Dynamic viscosity at 60 ◦ C (Pa·s) 177.7 ≥160

Table 2. Technical specifications for the SBS used in this study. ≥

Volatile 300% ≥
Tensile Elongation Tear off Shore Melt Flow
Oil Filling Compo- Tensile
Type S/B Ratio Ash (≤%) Strength at Tear Permanent Hardness Rate
Rate (%) nents
(≤%)
Stress
(≥MPa)
(≥MPa) (≥%) (≤%) ≥ (A) (g/10 min)

SBSYH-
792E
40/60 0 0.7 0.2 3.5 ∙ 24 730 55 ≥ ≥85 0.10–5.00

∙ ≥

Figure 1. 3D structure of TPU particles.

Table 3. Technical indicators of the GO used in this research.

Symbol Detection of Typical Values

Qitaihe City, Heilongjiang
Place of Origin
Province, China
Place of Origin Black powder
Oxygen level % 44.88
Particle size D50 (µ) 30.22
Thickness (µh) <5
Specific surface area m2 ·g−1 >500

≤ ≤ ≥ ≥ ≤
≥

SBS TPU GO

Figure 2. Appearance of the modifiers used in this research.

≤ ≤ ≥ ≥ ≤
≥
Polymers 2022, 14, 453 4 of 14

2.1.2. Preparation of TPU–SBS-Modified Asphalt

TPU–SBS-modified asphalt was prepared by the melt blending method, mainly using
asphalt mixers and high-speed shears to disperse the polyurethane particles and SBS
modifiers in the asphalt. First of all, the 90-base asphalt was placed in a metal vessel and
heated in a constant-temperature oven at 150 ◦ C for 2 h until it became fluid. Then, the
molten asphalt was placed on an electric heating plate at 160 ◦ C, and the SBSYH-792E
modifier and TPU modifier were added in turn. The asphalt mixer was switched on and
stirred at 300 r/min for 30 min until there were no obvious solid particles. Next, the
high-speed shear with a rotor speed set at 3000 r/min was used to shear at 160 ◦ C for
45 min at a high speed to obtain TPU–SBS-modified asphalt after the full reaction.
The SBSYH-792E modifier was blended at 4.5% and the TPU modifier was blended
at 5%. Based on previous experimental studies, the road performance of the asphalt was
found to be proportionally optimal when the SBSYH-792E and TPU modifiers were dosed
at 4.5% and 5%, respectively.

2.1.3. Preparation of GO–TPU–SBS-Modified Asphalt

GO–TPU–SBS-modified asphalt was prepared by adding the nanomaterial modifier
GO to the prepared TPU–SBS-modified asphalt using a high-speed shear.

2.1.4. Raw Materials for Asphalt Mixes

Aggregates were selected from limestone specification aggregates and machine-made
sand produced at Yuchuan Quarry in Acheng District, Harbin, China. The grade of the
AC-16 asphalt mix used for the test is shown in Table 4. (The technical specifications for
aggregate classification are given with reference to GTGF40-2004.). Asphalt was used as
previously described. The bitumen content of the mixture was 4.3%.

Table 4. Mineral aggregate gradation of the asphalt mixture.

Upper Lower
Particle Mineral Median Composite
10–20 mm 5–10 mm 3–5 mm 0–3 mm Grading Grading
Size Powder Gradation Gradation
Limit Limit
19 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
16 86.1 100 100 100 100 100 90 95 97.1
13.2 45.8 100 100 100 100 92 76 84 88.6
9.5 0.74 94.2 100 100 100 80 60 70 76.9
4.75 0.5 8.5 92.1 100 100 62 34 48 42.9
2.36 0 0.5 11.1 89.4 100 48 20 34 30.6
1.18 0 0 3.5 68.2 100 36 13 24.5 23.1
0.6 0 0 1.6 51.7 100 26 9 17.5 17.7
0.3 0 0 0 36.1 99 18 7 12.5 12.7
0.15 0 0 0 27.1 94.4 14 5 9.5 9.7
0.075 0 0 0 16.8 75.7 8 4 6 6.2

2.2. Test Methods

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and bending rheometer tests (BBR) were carried
out on GO–TPU–SBS-modified asphalt and TPU–SBS-modified asphalt. AC-16 was used
as the mix structure type, and low-temperature trabecular bending tests were carried out
for different temperature scenarios. The low-temperature crack resistance of asphalt and
asphalt mixes were tested, and the test results were designed to be processed using OpenCV
image technology to provide a better visual representation of the test results. (The test
methods refer to the Standard Test Methods for Asphalt and Asphalt Mixtures for Highway
Engineering (JTG E20-2011)).
Polymers 2022, 14, 453 5 of 14

2.2.1. SEM Tests

Bench-top scanning electron microscopy (SEM, EM30/EM-30plus, COXEM, Korea)
is an important research method used in materials science to observe the microscopic
morphology and structure of materials [20]. To observe the effect of GO on the microscopic
characteristics of TPU–SBS-modified asphalt, the scanning electron microscope was oper-
ated at 5 kV with a magnification of 100–600 times. Before the specimens were observed,
they were continuously sputter-coated with a thin gold film and placed under infrared
light for drying [21].

2.2.2. BBR Test

BBR (TE-BBR-F, CANNON, USA) tests were used to evaluate the effect of GO on the
low-temperature crack resistance of TPU–SBS-modified asphalt at −16 ◦ C and −20 ◦ C.
(The BBR test apparatus is shown in Figure 3.) The creep stiffness S and creep rate m were
calculated from the load and deformation values obtained over 60 s. The low-temperature
cracking resistance of the modified asphalt was evaluated based on the calculated creep
stiffness S and creep rate m [22,23]. Based on the data obtained from the tests, the GO
dosage level for the best improvement of the low-temperature crack resistance of the
TPU–SBS-modified asphalt was achieved.

Figure 3. Diagram of the BBR test process.

2.2.3. Low-Temperature Bending Test for Small Beams

The low-temperature bending test is a simple and effective method used to study the
low-temperature fracture resistance of asphalt mixtures.(The low temperature bending
test apparatus is shown in Figure 4.) To investigate the improvement of GO on the low-
temperature fracture performance of asphalt mixes, the test temperatures of 0, −5, −15,
and −25 ◦ C were chosen for the asphalt mixes, considering the working temperature of − −
asphalt pavements− in the winter in cold regions. According to the JTG E20-2011 standard,
low-temperature beam bending tests were carried out on two asphalt mixes with and
without a GO dosing of 0.5% [24].
First, the rutting slabs were cut into 250 mm × 30 mm × 35 mmtrabecular specimens
using a rock cutter, according to the specifications. Then, the small beam specimens were
individually placed in a modulated temperature incubator for 3 h. Finally, the beams were
tested by bending at room temperature with a set loading rate of 50 mm/min.
Polymers 2022, 14, 453 6 of 14

Figure 4. Process diagram of the low-temperature bending test for small beams.

2.2.4. OpenCV Image Processing

Computer vision is one of the most popular application areas of artificial intelli-
gence [25]. The introduction of computer vision for image processing in material science
has become a promising trend. In this study, the low-temperature cracking process of as-
phalt mixtures doped and un-doped with GO was processed by OpenCV pixel subtraction
using the Python programming language for small beam bending test processes to more
clearly and graphically represent the process.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Apparent Morphology
SEM analysis of the structural characteristics of TPU–SBS-modified asphalt with and
without the addition of GO provided the experimental results shown in Figures 5 and 6.
Figure 5a shows the microstructural characteristics of TPU–SBS-modified asphalt without
the addition of GO, and Figure 5b shows the local enlarged form of Figure 5a. Figure 6a
shows the microstructure of the TPU–SBS-modified asphalt doped with GO, and Figure 6b
shows a partial enlargement of Figure 6a. From the results, it can be seen that the doping
of the nanomaterial modifier GO can form a needle-like lamellar structure in the asphalt.
Additionally, comparing plots in Figures 5 and 6, it is evident that the doping of GO
increased the degree of surface folding of the asphalt matrix, i.e., graphene oxide is present
in the composite as folded flakes [26].

Microstructure characterization diagram Local magnification of microstructural features

Figure 5. Apparent characteristics of asphalt without GO.

Polymers 2022, 14, 453 7 of 14

Microstructure characterization diagram Local magnification of microstructural features

Figure 6. Apparent characteristics of asphalt mixed with GO.

3.2. Effect of Graphene Oxide (GO) on the Low-Temperature Performance of TPU–SBS Asphalt
The low-temperature cracking creep performance of the asphalt was tested using a
bending beam rheometer, and the results are shown in Figure 7. The low temperature
cracking resistance of the modified asphalt is related to the creep stiffness S and creep
rate m of the asphalt binder. As can be seen in Figure 7b, the creep stiffness S showed a
decreasing trend that then increased with increasing GO doping at −16 ◦ C and −20 ◦ C,
with the lowest value occurring at 0.5% GO doping. The influence of GO doping on the
creep stiffness S fluctuates widely at both temperatures. As can be seen in Figure 7a, the
creep rate m shows an increasing trend that then decreases at −16 ◦ C and −20 ◦ C, with
a peak at 0.5% GO doping. However, at −20 ◦ C, the fluctuation range of the effect of GO
doping on the creep rate m is significantly larger than at −16◦ C, indicating that the effect
of GO doping on the creep rate m is more significant at lower temperatures. At −16 ◦ C,
the creep stiffness of the GO-doped asphalt was significantly lower than at −20 ◦ C. The
creep rate was the opposite of the creep stiffness, indicating that the low-temperature crack
resistance of the GO-doped asphalt at −16 ◦ C was significantly higher than at −20 ◦ C.
GO doping can thus improve the low-temperature cracking creep performance of
the modified asphalt and enhance its stress relaxation ability, preventing low-temperature
cracking behavior. At the same time, the best improvement of the low-temperature cracking
resistance of the TPU–SBS-modified asphalt was achieved at a GO doping of 0.5%.

3.3. Effect of Graphene Oxide (GO) on the Low-Temperature Performance of TPU–SBS Asphalt
Mixtures
According to the results of the bending beam rheological test, the best low-temperature
crack resistance of the composite-modified asphalt was obtained at 0.5% GO doping, which
was thus selected as the representative value asphalt for the bending test. The effects of
GO on the low-temperature crack resistance of the asphalt mixture were analyzed by the
bending test, and are shown in Figure 8.
The bending tensile strength of the blend containing GO was 11.36, 12.49, 13.04,
and 13.4 MPa at −25 ◦ C, −15 ◦ C, −5 ◦ C, and 0 ◦ C, respectively. Compared with the
blend without GO, the bending tensile strength, respectively increased by 28.36%, 13.54%,
14.68%, and 8.76%. The bending and tensile strengths had increased by 28.36%, 13.54%,
14.68%, and 8.76%, respectively, compared with the GO-free mix. Therefore, GO can
significantly increase the flexural tensile strength of the mixes and improve their ability to
resist temperature shrinkage stresses.The bending tensile strength of the blend containing
GO was 11.36, 12.49, 13.04, and 13.4 MPa at −25 ◦ C, −15 ◦ C, −5 ◦ C, and 0 ◦ C, respectively.
Compared with the blend without GO, the bending tensile strength, respectively increased
by 28.36%, 13.54%, 14.68%, and 8.76%. The bending and tensile strengths had increased by
28.36%, 13.54%, 14.68%, and 8.76%, respectively, compared with the GO-free mix. Therefore,
 − ff
−
−

Polymers 2022, 14, 453

− − 8 of 14

GO can significantly increase the flexural tensile strength of the mixes and improve their
ability to resist temperature shrinkage stresses.

(a) Effect on creep rate

(b) Effect on creep stiffness

Figure 7. Effect of GO addition on the low-temperature cracking parameters of asphalt.

Polymers 2022, 14, 453 9 of 14

(a) Variation of flexural tensile strength with temperature

(b) Variation of the maximum bending tensile strain with temperature

Figure 8. Cont.
Polymers 2022, 14, 453 10 of 14

(c) Change of bending stiffness modulus with temperature

Figure 8. Variation diagram of the performance index with temperature.

The maximum bending tensile strain is an indicator of the low-temperature deforma-

tion of asphalt mixes [27–29]. The higher the maximum bending tensile strain, the better
− −
the low-temperature −crack resistance of the mix. The maximum bending tensile strains
of the mixes containing GO were 5448.95, 6025.99, 6003.06, and 6536.61 µε at −25 ◦ C,
−15 ◦ C, −5 ◦ C, and 0 ◦ C, respectively. The maximum bending tensile strains at each low
temperature were significantly greater than those of the mixes without GO. This is due to
how the GO nanomaterial forms a more stable structure in the mix, improving the crack
resistance of the mix.
The bending modulus of rigidity can, to some extent, reflect the ease of the low-
temperature cracking of the asphalt mixes. The smaller the bending stiffness modulus,
the greater the low-temperature cracking energy required for the mix, and the better the
resistance to cracking [28]. As can be seen from Figure 8c, the bending stiffness modulus of
the mixes containing GO was significantly lower than that of the mixes μεwithout
− GO −at the
− same temperature.
At the same time, the range and slope of the curve changes in the three graphs show
that the incorporation of GO makes the mix less sensitive to low temperatures and improves
its resistance to low-temperature cracking.

3.4. OpenCV Image Characterization of the Effect of Graphene Oxide (GO) on the
Low-Temperature Cracking of the TPU–SBS Asphalt Mixes
For the low-temperature cracking of a small beam, a typical temperature of −15 ◦ C
was chosen. The OpenCV image processing process can be divided into on-site and off-site
steps [30]. In the on-site step, the cracking of the beam is recorded by a camera mounted
on a stand during a three-point loading test. The duration of the recording is from the
start of the loading until the beam cracks and damage occurs. The recorded video is then
transferred from the temporary memory of the camera to the permanent memory of the
computer hard drive. The frame rate of the original video is maintained during the transfer,
and no compression of the video is required.
Polymers 2022, 14, 453 11 of 14

In off-site image processing, the test video is first backgrounded and then a suitable
threshold is selected to convert the video into a binary image. The scanning software is
then used to check the parameters so that the video meets the applicability requirements.
The test process was selected as typical when the beam was first loaded, when the beam
was initially cracked by the load, and when the beam was completely damaged. The
selected typical processes were processed by OpenCV pixel subtraction using Python, and
a comparison exercise was carried out after filtering the contours.
The results are shown in Figures 9 and 10, with (a) showing the comparison between
the initial loading of the beam and the initial cracking of the beam under load, (b) showing
the comparison between the initial development of the crack when the beam is subjected to
load and when the beam is completely damaged, and (c) showing the comparison between
the beam at the beginning of loading and at complete failure. From (a), it can be seen that
the deflection of the GO-modified beam at the initial crack initiation is less than that of
the beam without the GO modifier. From (b) and (c), it can be seen that the depth of crack
development and the deflection at the failure of the GO-modifier-doped beam is less than
that when loaded to complete failure. It is clear from the treatment results graph that the
low-temperature performance of the GO-modified asphalt mix beams is significantly better
than that of the unadulterated GO-modified asphalt mix beams. This implies that GO
incorporation can improve the low-temperature cracking resistance of the modified asphalt
mix and can effectively avoid the low-temperature cracking behavior of the asphalt mix.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 9. Cracking process diagram of trabecular with GO. (a) Comparison between when the
beam is first loaded and when the beam is initially cracked by the load; (b) Comparison of the
initial development of cracks when the beam is subjected to load and when the beam is completely
damaged; (c) Comparison between when the small beam is first loaded and when the small beam is
completely destroyed.
Polymers 2022, 14, 453 12 of 14

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 10. Cracking process diagram of trabecular without GO. (a) Comparison between when
the beam is first loaded and when the beam is initially cracked by the load; (b) Comparison of the
initial development of cracks when the beam is subjected to load and when the beam is completely
damaged; (c) Comparison between when the small beam is first loaded and when the small beam is
completely destroyed.

4. Conclusions
From the test results and analysis, the conclusions of this study are summarized below.
(1) Graphene oxide (GO) is present in the composite as folded flakes, and its presence
increases the degree of surface folding of the asphalt matrix, which can make the asphalt
matrix less temperature-sensitive and make the asphalt polymer more stable.
(2) Graphene oxide (GO) has the best effect on improving the low-temperature crack
resistance of TPU–SBS-modified asphalt at a doping ratio of 0.5%.
(3) The addition of graphene oxide (GO) significantly improved the low-temperature
crack resistance of TPU–SBS-modified asphalt and enhanced the stress relaxation ability
of the asphalt, making it more suitable for construction in cold areas and areas with large
temperature differences between day and night.
(4) The introduction of OpenCV images allowed for the clearer expression of the
improvement effect of graphene oxide (GO) on the low-temperature crack resistance of
asphalt mixes.
The results of the study showed that the incorporation of GO improved the low-
temperature crack resistance of the asphalt compared with TPU–SBS-modified asphalt. It
is expected that the results of the current study will encourage further research into the
use of GO modifiers for the production of modified asphalt mixtures and promote their
application in cold zone road construction.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, S.L.; methodology, S.L.; software, P.Z.; validation, S.L.,
W.X., and H.W.; formal analysis, S.L.; investigation, W.X.; resources, S.L.; data curation, W.X.;
writing—original draft preparation, S.L.; writing—review and editing, W.X.; visualization, S.L.;
supervision, H.W.; project administration, W.X.; funding acquisition, F.Z. All authors have read and
agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This work is supported by the scientific and technological project of the Heilongjiang
Provincial Department of Transportation: Research on the road performance of high-performance
graphene-modified asphalt mixture in cold regions.
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Polymers 2022, 14, 453 13 of 14

Data Availability Statement: The data of this study have been included in the manuscript.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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