Synthesis and characterization of multi-cavity Ca-alginate capsules used for self-healing in asphalt mixtures

Abstract In this research, Ca-alginate capsules containing sunflower oil with different water/oil (W/O) ratios were synthesized and their physical properties, morphological characteristics, thermodynamic performance, oil content and survivability after mixing and compaction were studied to select the most suitable capsule for asphalt mixture. Finally, the capsules with a W/O ratio of 10:1 were incorporated into asphalt mixtures to investigate their oil release characteristics under fatigue loading and the effect of the multi-cavity Ca-alginate capsules on the self-healing properties of asphalt mixtures through three-point bending test. It was found that 2.5 wt% sodium alginate solution can well encapsulate sunflower oil and exchange with Ca 2+ to form multi-cavity capsules. The sizes of the multi-cavity capsules increase with the decrease of W/O ratio. The compressive strength, thermal stability and survivability of the capsules after the mixing and compaction of asphalt mixture decrease with the decrease of W/O ratio. It is believed that the capsules fabricated with a W/O ratio of 10:1 are most suitable for asphalt mixture. The capsules can release the sunflower oil into asphalt mixtures under fatigue loading and the oil release ratio increases with the increase of the cycles of fatigue loading, leading to a significant healing of asphalt mixture. Asphalt mixture containing multi-cavity capsules can reach up to 180% recovery of the fracture energy under fatigue loading, which means that the oil released from the capsules can soften and rejuvenate asphalt mixture.