4834

Iowa State University researchers have developed a method of producing electrically-conductive asphalt mastic for efficient snow removal and deicing.  The mastic is modified with both carbon fiber and graphite powder to decrease the electrical resistivity of the asphalt, allowing for an electric current to flow between electrodes to generate heat.

Traditional methods of ice and snow removal from pavements involve using deicing chemicals along with mechanical removal.  These methods require large manpower, sophisticated machinery, and environmentally harmful chemicals, which can result in damage to the pavement.  One way to remove snow and ice without these potentially damaging methods is to use electrically-conductive asphalt concrete (ECAC), which utilizes an electrical current through the asphalt to generate heat.  A common way to create ECAC is by incorporating conductive fillers into asphalt concrete, which produces an electrically-conductive asphalt mastic (ECAM).  This invention describes an ECAM in which the fillers used are carbon fiber and graphite powder which provides electric conductivity between electrodes as well as enhanced mechanical strength.  The graphite powder allows for minimal carbon fiber volume fraction, which results in lower costs.  Also, since corrosive chemicals and large machinery is avoided, the lifespan of the ECAC is increased compared to normal asphalt concrete.  ECAC has also been successfully shown to be self-healing, which further increases the lifespan of the pavement.

This technology is related to ISURF 4796: Electrically conductive concrete mixture composition and system design for resistive heating of pavements with low volume fractions of carbon microfiber and ISURF 4848: Precast heated concrete panels using electrically conductive concrete or hydronic heating technology

• No chemicals or mechanical snow/ice removal required

• Low volume fraction of carbon fiber

• Increased lifespan of asphalt

• Increased strength of asphalt

• Quicker snow/ice removal

• Self-healing cracks

Rapid snow/ice removal from asphalt

Patent(s) applied for