Abstract
Water damage and limited nighttime visibility are critical challenges for asphalt pavements, often leading to reduced durability and safety hazards. This study introduces a novel multifunctional coating combining superhydrophobic and luminescent properties, achieved through integrating innovative additive materials. The coating, designed to be applied over an emulsified asphalt, aims to enhance water repellency, minimize ice formation, and improve nighttime visibility without additional energy consumption. A factorial design approach was employed to evaluate the effects of additive dosage rates and spray duration on the coatings’ hydrophobicity, luminescence, and anti-icing performance. Results demonstrate significant improvements in hydrophobicity, with contact angles exceeding 150°, achieving superhydrophobicity in most cases. Work-of-adhesion values were substantially reduced, indicating superior ice repellency compared with the control. The luminescent properties of the coatings were optimized, with effective-luminescent-area ratios reaching 66.5%, enhancing visibility under low-light conditions. Anti-icing tests showed extended freezing times for coated surfaces, providing additional safety benefits during snowy or icy conditions. These findings indicate the potential of the modified coating as a sustainable, multifunctional solution for modern road infrastructure, particularly in regions prone to heavy rainfall, ice formation, and low visibility.
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