Nano-mechanical characterization of mastic, aggregate, and interfacial zone in asphalt composites

This study used a nanoindentation technique to explore the local nanoscale mechanical properties of material phases and interfaces in an asphalt concrete composite. Regions of aggregate and mastic and their interfaces were nanoindented, and the load-displacement curves were analyzed to calculate the elastic modulus and hardness of the three phases. The interface region was found to have hardness and modulus values between those of the aggregate and the mastic. This study contributes significantly to the nanoscale characterization of asphalt concrete composites, as it provides unique measurements of mechanical properties of phases and especially the interface at a very small scale.