Superhydrophobic electrically conductive asphalt surface with anti-icing and deicing performance

To mitigate winter traffic accidents caused by icy roads, enhancing the anti-icing and deicing performance of asphalt pavement is critical. This study explores the feasibility of developing electrically conductive asphalt pavement. Comparative analysis shows that pre-heating the conductive material before application enhances its electrical conductivity. Notably, asphalt surfaces containing carbon nanotubes (CNT) or graphene exhibit superior conductivity and superhydrophobic properties compared to surfaces containing iron oxide. The contact angle for water droplets on the CNT surface reaches 157°, and the ice melting time is reduced by 70% compared to matrix asphalt surfaces. Additionally, rutting test results affirmed the durability of the conductive asphalt, showing negligible impact on conductivity after extensive wheel rolling. Overall, this innovative method holds significant promise for mitigating road icing issues with potentially broad applicability in cold climate regions.