Calcium alginate capsules encapsulating rejuvenator as healing system for asphalt mastic

Researchers have demonstrated that the rejuvenator encapsulation method is a promising autonomic self-healing approach for asphalt pavements, where by the self-healing system improves the healing capacity of an asphalt pavement mix. However, potentially high environmental risk via leaching of hazardous chemicals such as melamine formaldehyde renders the technology unsuitable for widespread use in road design. This paper explores the potential for the use of more environmentally friendly and economically viable rejuvenator encapsulation method, where the calcium alginate is used as rejuvenator encapsulation material. The capsule morphology and microstructure were studied using the Microscopy and X-ray tomography. Capsules thermal resistance and mechanical strength were investigated using the Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and micro-compressive tests. The results demonstrated that the capsules have sufficient thermal and mechanical strength to survive the asphalt production process. The healing efficiency of the system was evaluated by embedment of calcium-alginate capsules encapsulating rejuvenator in an asphalt mastic beams and subjected to monotonic three-point bend (3PB) loading and healing programme. The results illustrated that the calcium-alginate capsules encapsulating rejuvenator can significantly improve healing performance of the asphalt mastic mix.