Applied Optics in the Development of Smart Asphalt Mixtures

The functionalization of asphalt mixtures is carried out in order to provide new capabilities to the road pavements, with major social, environmental and financial benefits. Optical characterization techniques as well as optical processes like photocatalysis play a major role in the development of new asphalt mixtures with smart functions. These advanced capabilities which are being developed in asphalt mixtures are: photocatalytic, superhydrophobic, self-cleaning, de-icing/anti-ice, self-healing, thermochromic, and latent heat thermal energy storage. The main objective of this research work is to stress the importance of optics and photonics technologies giving an overview of advanced functionalized smart asphalt mixtures.