UTC 2022 Funding - Cycle 1 Research Projects

Project No.: CY1-OU-05
Title: Development of Biochar-Based Anti-Aging Agent for Carbon Neutral Durable Binder
Performing Institution: University of Oklahoma
Principal Investigator: Baharak Sajjadi and Syed Ashik Ali, The University of Oklahoma
Start and Anticipated Completion Dates: 10/01/2023-09/30/2024
Project description: Bio-based energy production starts with pyrolysis, converting biomass to syngas, bio-oil, and biochar (BC). Carbon remains stable in BC’s structure for thousands of years. Therefore, incorporating BC into asphalt binder reduces the environmental impacts of the construction industry by trapping carbon within the infrastructure. In addition, the nano-porous structure of BC allows for tailoring its surface with functional groups. The proposed project aims to develop and use the functionalized biochar to enhance the properties and performance of binder while concurrently reducing its environmental impacts. The specific objectives are to: (i) reduce the environmental impacts of binder using BCs of different properties; (ii) improve the UV and oxidative aging resistance of binder using nitrogen (N)- and phosphorous (P)- functionalized BC; and (iii) evaluate the rutting and cracking performances of asphalt mix incorporating biochar-modified binder.
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