Effect of phase change materials on thermophysical properties of asphalt mixtures and snow melting performance

The increased Thermal Conductivity and Thermal Diffusion Coefficient of asphalt mixtures means that the material is able to conduct and disperse heat more efficiently. In winter, this property can be used to accelerate the melting process of snow and ice, reducing the risk of road sliding due to snow and ice build-up. In this study, the thermal conductivity, thermal diffusion coefficient, and specific heat capacity of phase change asphalt (PCA) mixtures were investigated using a transient flat-plate heat source method. Analysis was performed with a thermal constant analyzer, a custom-designed thermal conductivity experiment, and a differential scanning calorimeter. Additionally, a phase change asphalt mixture thermoregulation rutting plate was prepared to evaluate its thermoregulation and snow and ice resistance under actual winter and indoor conditions. Results indicated that the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusion coefficient of PCA mixtures were superior to those of conventional asphalt mixtures. Notably, the specific heat capacity of these mixtures increased significantly within the phase change temperature range. The integration of phase change materials enhanced heat transfer within the asphalt mixtures, allowing for a delayed cooling process when temperatures decreased, with the maximum cooling range observed to be 2.8°C. Snow melting tests confirmed the early snowfall efficacy of the phase change asphalt mixture rutting plate, effectively achieving minimal snow accumulation and demonstrating the capability of 'melting light snow.'