Thermo rheological performance of DFNS enhanced asphalt binder modified with waste cooking oil and waste rubber powder

This study investigates the combined effects of dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS), waste cooking oil (WCO), and waste rubber powder (WRP) as multifunctional modifiers for asphalt binders. Seven asphalt formulations were prepared and evaluated through conventional tests, dynamic shear rheometry (DSR), bending beam rheometry (BBR), fatigue time sweep analysis, and thermal characterization. Results showed that the DFNS/WCO/WRP modified binder exhibited improved rheological and mechanical performance compared with the base binder. For example, the rutting factor (G*/sinδ) increased from 2.18 to 3.10 kPa at 52 °C, while creep stiffness at − 24 °C decreased from 351.2 to 301.3 MPa, indicating enhanced resistance to low temperature cracking. Fatigue testing also demonstrated improved durability, with the normalized modulus remaining 0.756 after 10,000 s, compared with 0.602 for the base binder. These improvements are attributed to the synergistic interaction of DFNS providing structural reinforcement, WRP contributing elastic recovery, and WCO enhancing flexibility and dispersion within the binder matrix. The results demonstrate that the DFNS/WCO/WRP system is a promising modification strategy for improving the rheological performance and durability of asphalt binders.