materials

Article
Thermal Performance of Novel Multilayer Cool
Coatings for Asphalt Pavements
Yujing Chen 1 , Kui Hu 1,2, * and Shihao Cao 1,2
1 College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China;
yujingchen@gmail.com (Y.C.); emailshc@163.com (S.C.)
2 National Engineering Laboratory for Wheat & Corn Further Processing, Henan University of Technology,
Zhengzhou 450001, China
* Correspondence: emailkuihu@163.com




Received: 25 May 2019; Accepted: 11 June 2019; Published: 13 June 2019


Abstract: Cool coatings are typically used to address high-temperature problems with asphalt
pavements, such as rutting. However, research on the effect of the coating structure on the cooling
performance remains a major challenge. In this paper, we used a three-layer cool coating (TLCC)
to experimentally investigate the effects of the reflective layer, the emissive layer, and the thermal
insulation layer on the cooling effect using a self-developed cooling effect evaluation device (CEED).
Based on the test results, we further established temperature fields inside uncoated and coated samples,
which were used to study how the TLCC affects the inner temperature field. Our results showed that
the reflective layer was the main parameter influencing the cooling effect (8.18 ◦ C), while the other
two layers were secondary factors that further improved the cooling effect to 13.25 ◦ C. A comparison
of the temperature fields showed that the TLCC could effectively change the internal temperature
field compared with the uncoated sample, for example, by reducing the maximum temperature inside,
whose corresponding position was also deeper. As the depth increased, the cooling effect of the
TLCC first increased and then decreased slowly. The results emphasize the importance of considering
the effect of the coating structure on the cooling performance. This study provides a reference for
effectively alleviating high-temperature distresses on asphalt pavement, which is conducive to the
sustainable development of pavements.

Keywords: asphalt pavement; cool coating; coating structure; cooling effect; temperature field

1. Introduction
Asphalt pavements have the advantages of high flatness, riding comfort, and low noise and have
been widely used in engineering construction. However, asphalt mixtures have a high absorption
rate for sunlight, especially in summer, which causes the temperature of the asphalt pavement to
rise sharply. On the one hand, high temperature is not good for the asphalt pavement itself. For
example, high temperature tends to cause the asphalt mixture to soften easily, and with the continuous
rolling of vehicles, it may produce viscous flow and even road distress, such as rutting [1,2]. This
greatly increases the maintenance cost and reduces the life of asphalt pavement, which is detrimental
to the sustainable development of asphalt pavement. On the other hand, high-temperature asphalt
pavements can exacerbate the urban heat island (UHI) effect, thereby accelerating global warming [3,4].
Cool coatings are considered an effective technical means because of passive cooling and resistance
to the UHI effect. Initially, cool coatings were popular on roofs as a relatively inexpensive technology
used to reduce buildings’ energy requirements for cooling during the summer [5]. In recent years, the
application of cool coatings on asphalt pavements has attracted increasing attention. At present, its
application on roads mainly focuses on the following aspects:

Materials 2019, 12, 1903; doi:10.3390/ma12121903 www.mdpi.com/journal/materials

Materials 2019, 12, 1903 2 of 13

1. Development of high-performance functional fillers [6–8] and pigments, especially nonwhite

pigments with high infrared reflectivity [9–11], such as Bi3+ -doped and Bi3+ /Tb3+ -co-doped
LaYO3 pigments [12]. Further, Xie et al. noted that coatings doped with chrome are a feasible
way to improve the reflectance of sunlight, especially near-infrared reflectivity [13].
2. Durability of the coating. Peng et al. [14] investigated the hydrophobic and anti-icing performance
of silicone coating. Li et al. [15] researched the life cycle assessment of reflective coatings
for pavements.
3. Impact on the UHI [16–19]. Qin et al. [20] suggested that raising the albedo of pavements could
effectively improve the urban canyon albedo only when the canyon has a low aspect ratio (e.g.,
h/w ≤ 1).

However, research on coating structures is still in its infancy. Although cool coatings for asphalt
pavements have achieved good cooling performance, most coatings are single-layer structures. This
means that some functional materials do not perform their intended function. For example, some
reflective functional materials may be wrapped by other opaque materials, thereby weakening their
optical reflection function. Therefore, the single layer structure limits the future development of the
cool coating. In other words, it is still a considerable challenge to study the effect of the structure on
the cooling performance. Moreover, another important issue is that there are few studies that focus on
how cool coatings affect the temperature field inside the asphalt pavement, which is important for the
softening of asphalt mixtures [21].
The purpose of this article is to prepare and test the cooling effect of a coating containing three
structural layers, that is, the TLCC (three-layer cool coating). First, we developed a cooling effect
evaluation device (CEED) and methods to ensure the accuracy of the test results. Second, we tested
the effect of each structural layer on the cooling effect of the coating through the above device and
determined the content of key materials in each layer. Finally, the influence of the coating on the
internal temperature field of the whole sample was analyzed. This paper contributes to alleviating the
problems caused by high temperatures, such as rutting.

2. Design Principles of Cool Coatings

Asphalt pavement is in a complex light and heat environment. Figure 1 shows that asphalt
pavement can absorb, reflect, and emit radiation and that it can also transmit it downward by conduction
and upward by convection. The above factors can be quantitatively described by Equation (1). When
the asphalt pavement is in thermal equilibrium, its calculation formula is as shown in Equation (2).
 
q0 = α GS + Gsky − Gsur − Gh (1)

where:

q0 —specific rate of heat flow, W/m2 ;

α—absorptivity of total solar radiation;
GS —total solar radiation, W/m2 ;
Gsky —atmospheric counter radiation, W/m2 ;
Gsur —thermal radiation, W/m2 ;
Gh —convective heat transfer, W/m2 .

When q0 = 0,
 
α GS + Gsky = Gsur + Gh (2)

If the heat inside the asphalt pavement is reduced, we can control the following aspects: increase
the reflected radiation (α) and increase the emitted thermal radiation (Gsur ). In addition to the above, it
is also necessary to consider reducing the heat transfer downward.
Materials 2019, 12, 1903 3 of 13
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Materials 2019, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 13

Figure 1. Thermal environment of asphalt pavement.

Figure
Figure1.1.Thermal
Thermal environment of asphalt
environment of asphaltpavement.
pavement.

Therefore, we have proposed a design of the TLCC (three-layer cool coating), the structure of
Therefore, we have haveproposed aadesign
design of of the TLCC (three-layercool coolcoating),
coating),the the structure of of
which isTherefore,
shown inwe Figure 2.proposed
The design of the cool the TLCC
coating is(three-layer
as follows: (1) The first layer,structure
the reflective
which is shown in Figure 2. The
which is shown in Figure 2. The design of thedesign of the cool coating is as follows: (1) The first layer, thethe
coating is as follows: (1) The first layer,
layer, whose main purpose is to reflect visible light and infrared light, ensures that as little light as
reflective
reflectivelayer,
layer,whose
whosemain mainpurpose
purposeisistoto reflect
reflect visible lightand
visible light andinfrared
infraredlight,
light,ensures
ensures that
that as as little
little
possible enters the coating and passes down, while the layer’s surface glare should be considered.
light as aspossible
light possibleenters
entersthethecoating
coating and
and passes
passes down, while the
down, while the layer’s
layer’ssurface
surfaceglare
glareshould
should be be
(2) The second layer, also called the emissive layer, is mainly intended to emit radiation. The emissive
considered.
considered. (2)(2) Thesecond
The secondlayer,
layer,also
alsocalled
called the
the emissive
emissive layer,
layer,isismainly
mainlyintended
intendedtoto emit
emitradiation.
radiation.
layer pumps energy into the surrounding space by thermal radiation, which is a passive cooling
TheThe emissive
emissive layer
layer pumpsenergy
pumps energyinto
intothe
thesurrounding
surrounding space
spaceby bythermal
thermalradiation,
radiation, which
which is is
a passive
a passive
method
cooling that is important
method for reducing
thatisisimportant
important the temperature
forreducing
reducing of theofobject
the temperature
temperature and mitigating thethe
urban heat
cooling method that for the ofthe
theobject
objectand
andmitigating
mitigating urban
the urban
island
heat effect.
island (3) The third
effect.(3)(3)The layer,
Thethird the
thirdlayer, thermal
layer,the insulation
the thermal layer,
thermal insulation is
insulation layer,responsible for preventing heat from
heat island effect. layer,isisresponsible
responsiblefor forpreventing
preventing heat
heat
being
from transferred
being downward
transferred into the
downward interior
into the of theof
interior asphalt
the pavement.
asphalt pavement.
from being transferred downward into the interior of the asphalt pavement.

Figure2.2.Working
Figure Workingprinciple
principle of the three-layer
three-layercool
coolcoating
coating(TLCC).
(TLCC).
Figure 2. Working principle of the three-layer cool coating (TLCC).
3. Materials and Methods
3. Materials and Methods
3.1. Materials
3.1. Materials
Materials 2019, 12, 1903 4 of 13

3. Materials and Methods

3.1. Materials

3.1.1. Cool Coatings

According to the design principle of the TLCC with multifunctional layers, key functional materials
consist of reflective materials, radiant materials and insulating materials. We chose rutile titanium
dioxide [22] as the reflective material, silicon dioxide [23,24] as the radiant material, and hollow glass
microbeads as the insulating material to study the influencing factors of the cooling performance of the
TLCC, as shown in Table 1, Table 2, and Table 3. Then, epoxy resin was chosen as the adhesive material
with high transparency. Furthermore, to form a high-performance coating, some other additives were
used, for example, a diluent agent, curing agent, dispersing agent, and antifoaming agent. Finally,
carbon black of different proportions was selected to alleviate driving glare.

Table 1. Technical characteristics of titanium oxide.

Appearance Refractive Index Average Particle Diameter Brightness pH Density

White 2.8 0.20–0.26 µm ≥ 94.5% 6–9 4.23 g/cc

Table 2. Technical characteristics of silicon dioxide.

Appearance Refractive Index Average Particle Diameter Boiling Point pH Density

White 1.553 8 µm 2950 ◦C 6.5–7.5 2.65 g/cc

Table 3. Technical characteristics of hollow glass microbeads.

Appearance Density Particle Size Thermal Conductivity pH

White 0.60 g/cc 15–120 µm 0.003–0.01 BTU/in·hr ◦F 8–9.5

3.1.2. Asphalt and Mixtures

Basalt was chosen as the aggregate, and the gradation of the asphalt mixture was AC-16 type.
The optimum content of asphalt binder is 4.6 wt %, which was obtained from the Marshall test. The
preparation process of the asphalt mixture conformed to China’s specification of JTG F40-2004. The
size of the rutting board made of the asphalt mixture was 300 mm × 300 mm × 50 mm.

3.2. Methods

3.2.1. Preparation of Test Samples

To spray coatings evenly on the standard rutting board, an ultrasonic dispersing instrument and
stirrer were used for the operation. As shown in Figure 3, the specific preparation process was as
follows:

1. Modifying the bonding material. To improve the properties of the adhesive material (epoxy
resin), it was necessary to use additives, such as dispersing agents and antifoaming agents.
2. Adding functional materials. Although the functional materials of each layer of the cool coating
were different, their operation steps were the same.
3. Spray coating. Coating was applied to the surface of the rutting plate. Each coating layer was
0.3 kg/m2 .
4. Curing. The curing speed is related to the ambient temperature, and the higher the ambient
temperature, the faster the curing speed. In this test, the temperature condition of 40 ◦ C
was selected.
Materials 2019, 12, 1903 5 of 13
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Figure 3. Schematic
Schematic of the coating preparation process.

Based on
onthe
theabove
abovesteps, wewe
steps, investigated the the
investigated effect of each
effect of functional layer on
each functional the overall
layer on the cooling
overall
performance of the cool
cooling performance coatings
of the by the control
cool coatings by thegroup
controland different
group test groups,
and different test as shownasinshown
groups, Table 4.
in
Table 4.
Table 4. Coating scheme on test samples.
Table 4. Coating scheme on test samples.
Scheme Structures Materials
Scheme Scheme 1 Structures
Reflective layer Rutile titanium dioxideMaterials
+ Carbon black
Scheme 1 Reflective layer
Reflective layer Rutile titanium dioxide
Rutile titanium dioxide + Carbon + Carbon
black black
Scheme 2
Reflective layer layer
Emissive Rutile titanium dioxide + Carbon black
Silicon dioxide
Scheme 2
Emissive layer
Reflective layer Rutile titanium dioxide +dioxide
Silicon Carbon black
Scheme 3 Reflective layer layer
Emissive Rutile titanium dioxide + Carbon black
Silicon dioxide
Scheme 3 Thermallayer
Emissive insulation layer Hollow glass microbead
Silicon dioxide
Thermal insulation layer Hollow glass microbead
3.2.2. Cooling Effect Test
3.2.2. Cooling Effect Test
We designed a test device (CEED) to evaluate the cooling performance of cool coatings, as shown in
FigureWe 4. designed
To ensureathetestaccuracy
device (CEED) to evaluate
of the test thedevice
results, the coolingmainly
performance
had theof cool coatings,
following designasfeatures:
shown
in Figure 4. To ensure the accuracy of the test results, the device mainly had the following design
1. First, the device had to be capable of controlling environmental parameters and eliminating
features:
the effects of different environmental factors on measurement accuracy, such as air temperature
1. First, the device had to be capable of controlling environmental parameters and eliminating the
and humidity.
effects of different environmental factors on measurement accuracy, such as air temperature and
2. humidity.
Then, to simulate sunlight, we used tungsten halogen lamps, whose spectrum is similar to that
of sunlight.
2. Then, We adjusted
to simulate sunlight, the
weangle
usedoftungsten
incidence to emitlamps,
halogen parallel light,spectrum
whose which was achieved
is similar to by a
that
suitable lampshade design.
of sunlight. We adjusted the angle of incidence to emit parallel light, which was achieved by a
3. suitable
Furthermore, to best
lampshade simulate the actual solar radiation in different weather conditions, we
design.
adjusted the intensity
3. Furthermore, to best simulate of the lightthe
striking
actualthe surface
solar of the road
radiation simulation
in different structure
weather (the sample).
conditions, we
4. adjusted
Finally, totheensure the accuracy of the test dates, we took measures, such as wrapping
intensity of the light striking the surface of the road simulation structure (the the sides
and bottom of samples with a 5 cm-thick layer of thermal insulation materials, to reduce the heat
sample).
loss during
4. Finally, the test.
to ensure the accuracy of the test dates, we took measures, such as wrapping the sides
and bottom of samples with a 5 cm-thick layer of thermal insulation materials, to reduce the heat
loss during the test.
In addition to the indoor CEED, temperature recorders, infrared cameras, weather stations and
other devices were applied in this test. These devices worked together to complete the cooling effect
test work according to certain process steps. As shown in Figure 5, the specific steps of our test were
as follows:
 followed by temperature field analysis.
4. The cooling effect of the coatings was evaluated. The temperature difference between the coated
and uncoated samples was calculated using Equation (3), where ∆𝑇 is used to indicate the
cooling performance of the coating:
Materials 2019, 12, 1903 ∆𝑇 = Temperature − 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 6(3)
of 13

Figure4.4.Self-developed
Figure Self-developedcooling
cooling effect evaluationdevice
effect evaluation device(CEED).
(CEED).

In addition to the indoor CEED, temperature recorders, infrared cameras, weather stations and
other devices were applied in this test. These devices worked together to complete the cooling effect
test work according to certain process steps. As shown in Figure 5, the specific steps of our test were
as follows:

1. The working environment parameters were set, including air temperature, humidity, and radiation
intensity, where the temperature was 20 ◦ C, the humidity was 50% RH, and the equivalent radiation
intensity was 700 W/m2 .
2. The environmental parameters were checked. At the preparatory stage prior to the test, the
weather station helped check and determine environmental parameters, such as radiant intensity.
3. The cooling effect of the coatings was tested. When the light source was turned on, the sample
entered the heating stage. The temperature data were collected using a temperature recorder
and temperature sensors every 12 minutes. After the samples reached thermal equilibrium, the
thermal infrared images were taken on the side of the samples using an infrared camera, followed
by temperature field analysis.
4. The cooling effect of the coatings was evaluated. The temperature difference between the coated
and uncoated samples was calculated using Equation (3), where ∆T is used to indicate the cooling
performance of the coating:

∆T = Temperatureuncoated − Temperaturecoated (3)

Materials 2019, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 13

Materials 2019, 12, 1903 7 of 13

Materials 2019, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 13

Figure 5. Specific steps of the cooling effect test.

Figure 5. Specific steps of the cooling effect test.
4. Results and Discussion Figure 5. Specific steps of the cooling effect test.
4. Results and Discussion
4.1. Reflective
4. Results andLayer
Discussion
4.1. Reflective Layer
4.1.1. Content Layer
4.1. Reflective of Titanium Dioxide
4.1.1. Content of Titanium Dioxide
To evaluate the titanium dioxide content in the reflective layer, the doses of titanium dioxide
4.1.1. Content of Titanium Dioxide
were To evaluate
selected the4.5%,
to be titanium dioxide
9%, 13.5%, andcontent in the
18%. The timereflective
historieslayer, the doses
of rising of titanium
temperature dioxide
are shown in
were
Figure selected
To6a, to
evaluate be
and thethe 4.5%, 9%, 13.5%,
titanium dioxide
comparative and 18%.
cooling content The time
in shown
effects are histories
the reflective of rising
layer,
in Figure temperature are shown in
6b. the doses of titanium dioxide
Figure 6a, and to
were selected thebecomparative
4.5%, 9%, 13.5%,cooling
and effects
18%.are
Theshown in Figureof6b.
time histories rising temperature are shown in
Figure 6a, and 0
the50comparative
100 150
cooling
200 250
effects
300
are shown in Figure 6b.
70 70

10 10
10

60 0 50 100 150 200 250 30060

70 50
70
8 8
10 10
(℃)effect (℃)
(℃)

10
50 50
60 60
Temperature

50 6 6
8 8
40 40
(℃)

Cooling

50 50
Sample without coating 4 4
Cooling effect
Temperature

Titanium dioxide of 4.5% 6 6

30 30
40 Titanium dioxide of 9% 40
Titanium dioxide coating
Sample without of 13.5% 2 2
4 4
Titanium
Titaniumdioxide
dioxideofof18%
4.5%
20 20
30 30
Titanium dioxide of 9%
0 0
0 50 100 Titanium
150 dioxide
200 of250
13.5% 300 2 4.5% 9% 13.5% 18% 2
Titanium dioxide of 18%
20 Time (min) 20 Contents of titanium dioxide
0 0
0 50 100
(a) 150 200 250 300 4.5% 9%
(b) 13.5% 18%
Time (min) Contents of titanium dioxide

Figure
Figure 6. Effect
Effect of titanium dioxide on the cooling performance of coatings. (a)
(a) Process
Process of
of heating
heating to
to
(a) (b)
thermal equilibrium; (b) comparison of cooling effects.
thermal
Figure 6. Effect of titanium dioxide on the cooling performance of coatings. (a) Process of heating to
As
As Figure
Figure
thermal 66 shows,
shows, the
equilibrium; the cooling effect
(b) cooling effect
comparison at first
at first effects.
of cooling increased with
increased with an
an increase
increase in
in the
the content
content of
of titanium
titanium
dioxide. When
dioxide. Whenthe the percentage
percentage of of titanium
titanium dioxide
dioxide changed
changed fromfrom 4.5%
4.5% to
to 13.5%,
13.5%, the the cooling
cooling effect
effect
significantly increased, reaching ◦
9.41effect
C. Titanium
Titanium dioxide is
is
As Figure
significantly 6 shows,reaching
increased, the cooling
9.41 °C. at first increased
dioxide aa kind
with kind of material
material
an increase
of with
in the
with aa high
highofrefractive
content refractive
titanium
index and
dioxide. wide
When band
the gap that
percentage canof reflect
titaniummost visible
dioxide light and
changed near-infrared
from 4.5% to light.
index and wide band gap that can reflect most visible light and near-infrared light. Therefore,13.5%, Therefore,
the with
cooling the
effect
with
increase
the in titanium
significantly
increase in dioxide
increased,
titanium particles,
reaching
dioxide 9.41 the
°C. cooling
particles,Titanium performance
dioxide
the cooling is aofkind
performancethe coating
thewas
ofofmaterial improved.
with
coating awas However,
highimproved.
refractive
when
index the
However,andcontent
wide the
when ofcontent
band the
gapreflective
that functional
canreflective
of the reflect most material
visiblereached
functional light and
material 18%, the18%,
cooling
near-infrared
reached effect
thelight. of effect
the coating
Therefore,
cooling ofwith
the
did not increase but decreased slightly. This may be due to the aggregation of
the increase in titanium dioxide particles, the cooling performance of the coating was improved. some particles, which
However, when the content of the reflective functional material reached 18%, the cooling effect of the
Materials 2019, 12, 1903 8 of 13

resulted in a reduction in the specific surface area of heat dissipation and thus a reduction in scattering
efficiency. Therefore, we recommend 13.5% titanium dioxide in the reflective layer.

4.1.2. Carbon Black in the Reflective Layer

To study the effect of carbon black content on the cooling performance of the coating, its proportion
was
Materials 2019, as
chosen 12, the only
x FOR variable
PEER REVIEWat 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8%. Other ingredients and their proportions 8were of 13
the same.
Figure
coating 7 shows
did not thatbut
increase thedecreased
use of carbon blackThis
slightly. reduced
may be thedue
cooling
to theeffect of the coating,
aggregation of someand as the
particles,
amountresulted
which of carbon in ablack increased,
reduction in thethe cooling
specific effect area
surface of theofcoating became lower.
heat dissipation Theause
and thus of carbon
reduction in
black (0.4%)
scattering caused aTherefore,
efficiency. slight decrease in the cooling
we recommend 13.5%effect of the
titanium coating,
dioxide in from 9.41 ◦ C to
the reflective 8.91 ◦ C, a
layer.
decrease of 0.5 ◦ C. When the amount of carbon black was increased from 0.4% to 0.6%, the change
4.1.2. Carbon
in cooling Black
effect wasinstill
the small,
Reflective Layer by 0.73 ◦ C; however, when the dose of carbon black was
decreasing
increased to 0.8%, the cooling effect of the coating was significantly decreased, a drop of 1.49 ◦ C.
To study the effect of carbon black content on the cooling performance of the coating, its
This trend suggests that carbon black had an adverse effect on the cooling effect of the coating while
proportion was chosen as the only variable at 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8%. Other ingredients and their
improving surface glare. Moreover, large doses of carbon black resulted in increased costs. Taking
proportions were the same.
these factors into consideration, we recommend a carbon black content of 0.6%.

0 50 100 150 200 250 300

60 60
10 10
55 5 55
50
50 50
8 8
Cooling effect (℃)

45 45
Temperature (℃)

40 40
6 6
35 35
Coating without carbon black
30 Carbon black of 0.4% 30
Carbon black of 0.6% 4 4
25 25
Carbon black of 0.8%
20 20

15 15 2 2
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 Coating without 0.4% 0.6% 0.8%
carbon black
Time (min) Contents of carbon black

(a) (b)
Effect of carbon black on the cooling performance of coatings. (a)
Figure 7. Effect (a) Process
Process of heating to
thermal equilibrium; (b) comparison of cooling effects.
effects.

4.2. Emissive
Figure 7Layer
shows that the use of carbon black reduced the cooling effect of the coating, and as the
amount of carbon black
A single-layer coatingincreased,
of siliconthe cooling
dioxide effect
is the of the and
simplest coating
mostbecame
promisinglower. The for
coating useenhancing
of carbon
black (0.4%) caused a slight decrease in the cooling effect of the coating, from
the emissive layer. To determine the effect of the emissive layer on the overall cooling performance 9.41 °C to 8.91 °C,ofa
decrease
the coating, of 0.5 °C. When
a coated the amount
sample of carbonlayer
with an emissive blackwas wasused
increased from
as a test 0.4%while
group, to 0.6%, the change
a coated sample in
cooling effect
without was still
an emissive small,
layer wasdecreasing by 0.73 °C;
used as a reference however,
group. when thetodose
Furthermore, of carbon
determine black was
the content of
increased to 0.8%, the cooling effect of the coating was significantly
silicon dioxide in the emissive layer, its percentage was chosen to be 13%, 18%, and 21%. decreased, a drop of 1.49 °C. This
trendFigure
suggests that carbon
8 shows that theblack had layer
emissive an adverse effect oneffect
had a positive the cooling effect ofperformance
on the cooling the coating of while
the
improving surface glare.
coating. In particular, Moreover, large
the application of thedoses
emissiveof carbon black resulted
layer allowed in increased
the coating to have a costs.
cooling Taking
effect
these
of more factors
than into ◦ C. As the amount
8.18 consideration, we recommend a carbon
of silicon dioxide black content
increased from 13% ofto
0.6%.
18%, the cooling effect of
◦ ◦ ◦
the coating increased from 9.78 C to 11.1 C, an increase of 1.32 C. When the amount of silicon dioxide
4.2. Emissive
was increasedLayerto 21%, the increase in the cooling effect of the coating was small, only 0.49 ◦ C. It should
be noted that as the filler
A single-layer (silicon
coating dioxide)
of silicon increased,
dioxide the simplest
is the viscosity of
and themost
coating increased.
promising However,
coating for
the viscosity must be controlled within a suitable range to maintain its workability.
enhancing the emissive layer. To determine the effect of the emissive layer on the overall cooling Therefore, it was
necessary to control
performance the content
of the coating, of silicon
a coated sampledioxide.
with anTherefore,
emissivewe recommend
layer was usedaas silicon
a testdioxide content
group, while a
of 18%.
coated sample without an emissive layer was used as a reference group. Furthermore, to determine
the content of silicon dioxide in the emissive layer, its percentage was chosen to be 13%, 18%, and
21%.
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2019, 12, FOR PEER REVIEW 99 of
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13

0 50 100 150 200 250 300

55 55 12 12
5
50 50
50
10 10
45 45

Cooling effect (℃)

Temperature (℃)

40 40
8 8
35 35

Coating without emissive layer

30 30
Silicon dioxide of 13% 6 6
25 Silicon dioxide of 18% 25
Silicon dioxide of 21%
20 20 4 4

15 15
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 Coating without 13% 18% 21%
Time (min) silicon dioxide Contents of silicon dioxide

(a) (b)
Figure
Figure 8. Effect
Effect of
of silicon
silicon dioxide
dioxide on
on the cooling
cooling performance
performance of coatings.
coatings. (a)
(a) Process
Process of
of heating
heating to
to
thermal
thermal equilibrium;
equilibrium; (b)
(b) comparison
comparison of cooling effects.

4.3. Thermal
Figure 8Insulation
shows thatLayer
the emissive layer had a positive effect on the cooling performance of the
coating. In particular, the application of the emissive
The coating layer without the insulating layer
layer was allowed
used the coating
as a reference to have
group, anda cooling effect
11.5%, 17.5%,
of
andmore than
23.5% 8.18 °C.glass
of hollow As the amount of silicon
microspheres dioxide
were added increased
to prepare from
a test 13% to
group. As18%,
showntheincooling
Figure effect
9, the
of the coating increased from 9.78 °C to 11.1 °C, an increase of 1.32 °C. When the amount
coating with the thermal insulation layer had a better cooling effect. Specifically, the cooling effect of of silicon
dioxide was exceeded
the coating increased 11.1
to 21%, the increase
◦ C due in the cooling
to the thermal effect
insulation of the
layer. Acoating
contentwas small,of
of 11.5% only
the0.49 °C.
hollow
It should
glass be increased
beads noted thatthe
as cooling
the fillereffect
(silicon dioxide)
of the coatingincreased,
by 1.18 the
◦ viscosity
C, from 11.1 of
◦ C the coating
to 12.28 ◦ C.increased.
When the
However, the viscosity must be controlled within a suitable range to maintain
content of the hollow glass microspheres continued to increase to 17.5%, the cooling effect was still its workability.
Therefore,
satisfactory,itincreasing
was necessary
by 0.97to ◦control
C. Sincethe content
hollow glassofbeads
silicon dioxide.
have Therefore,
a hollow structureweandrecommend
low thermal a
silicon dioxidethey
conductivity, content
can of 18%. the thermal insulation performance of the coating. However, when
improve
its content was increased to 23.5%, the cooling effect of the coating did not increase much, increasing
4.3.
onlyThermal
by 0.44Insulation Layer as the content of hollow glass microspheres increased, the compressive
◦ C. Moreover,

modulus and strength

The coating of the composites
layer without decreased.
the insulating Therefore,
layer was used as athe use of an
reference appropriate
group, amount
and 11.5%, 17.5%,of
microspheres allows the coating to have a satisfactory overall performance. We
and 23.5% of hollow glass microspheres were added to prepare a test group. As shown in Figure recommend using9,
Materials 2019, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 13
17.5%
the hollow
coating withglass
thebeads
thermalin insulation
the thermal insulation
layer layer.cooling effect. Specifically, the cooling effect
had a better
of the coating exceeded 11.1 °C due to the thermal insulation layer. A content of 11.5% of the hollow
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
glass beads
55 increased the cooling effect of the 55 coating by 1.18 °C, from 11.1 °C to 12.28 °C. When the
14 14
content 50of the hollow glass microspheres continued
5
50 to increase to 17.5%, the cooling effect was still
satisfactory,
45 increasing by 0.97 °C. Since hollow
50
45 glass beads have a hollow structure and low thermal
conductivity, they can improve the thermal40 insulation performance of the coating. However,12 when
Cooling effect (℃)

12
Temperature (℃)

40

its content
35
was increased to 23.5%, the cooling 35
effect of the coating did not increase much, increasing
only by 0.44 °C. Moreover, as the content of hollow glass10microspheres increased, the compressive 10
30 30
modulus and strength of the composites decreased. Therefore, the use of an appropriate amount of
25 Coating without hollow glass microsphere 25
microspheres allows the coating to have a satisfactory overall performance. We recommend using
Hollow glass microsphere of 11.5%
20 20 8 8
17.5% hollow glass beadsHollow glass in
microsphere of 17.5%
the thermal insulation layer.
Hollow glass microsphere of 23.5%
15 15
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 Coating without 11.5% 17.5% 23.5%
hollow glass microsphere
Time (min)
Contents of hollow glass microsphere

(a) (b)
Figure
Figure 9.
9. Effect
Effect of
of hollow
hollow glass
glass microbeads
microbeads on
on the
the cooling
cooling performance
performance of
of coatings.
coatings. (a)
(a) Process
Process of
of
heating
heating to
to thermal
thermal equilibrium;
equilibrium; (b)
(b) comparison
comparison of
of cooling effects..
cooling effects

4.4. Temperature
4.4. Temperature Fields
Fields of
of the
the Sample
Sample Inside
Inside
To investigate
To investigate the
the cooling
cooling effect
effect of
of the
the coating
coating inside
inside the
the sample,
sample, the
the coated
coated (TLCC)
(TLCC) and
and the
the
uncoated rutting board were taken as the research samples. An infrared camera was used to collect
uncoated rutting board were taken as the research samples. An infrared camera was used to collect the
the data on the side, and the temperature field was analyzed by the relevant data analysis software,
such as Infrec Analyzer, as shown in Figure 10.

Temperature（℃） Temperature（℃）
0 63.82
0 53.72
 Figure 9. Effect of hollow glass microbeads on the cooling performance of coatings. (a) Process of
heating to thermal equilibrium; (b) comparison of cooling effects.
Materials 2019, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 13

4.4. Temperature Fields of the Sample Inside

0 50 100 150 200 250 300
To2019,
Materials 55investigate
the cooling effect of the
12, 1903 55 coating inside the sample, the coated (TLCC) and 10 ofthe
13
14 14
uncoated50 rutting board were taken as the research
5
50 samples. An infrared camera was used to collect
the data45 on the side, and the temperature field
50
45 was analyzed by the relevant data analysis software,
data on the side, and the temperature field was analyzed by the relevant data analysis software, such

Cooling effect (℃)

such as 40Infrec Analyzer, as shown in Figure40 10.
Temperature (℃)
12 12

as Infrec Analyzer, as shown in Figure 10.

35 35

30
Temperature（30℃） 10 Temperature（10℃）
0 63.82
0 53.72

25 25
Coating without hollow glass microsphere 63.37 53.16
1 Hollow glass microsphere of 11.5% 1 8
20 20 8
Hollow glass microsphere of 17.5% 62.93 52.60
Hollow glass microsphere of 23.5%
15 15
Depth（cm）

Depth（cm）
62.48 52.04
2 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 2 Coating without 11.5% 17.5% 23.5%
hollow glass microsphere
Time (min) 62.03 Contents of hollow glass microsphere 51.48

3 61.59
3 50.92
(a) (b)
61.14 50.36
4 4
Figure 9. Effect of hollow glass microbeads
60.70
on the cooling performance of coatings. (a) Process 49.80
of
heating to thermal equilibrium; (b) comparison of cooling effects.
60.25 49.24
5 5

4.4. Temperature Fields of the Sample Inside

To investigate the cooling
(a) effect of the coating inside the sample, the (b)coated (TLCC) and the
uncoated rutting board were taken as the research samples. An infrared camera was used to collect
Figure 10. Temperature fields of samples inside
inside an
an (a)
(a) uncoated
uncoated sample
sample and
and aa (b)
(b) coated
coated sample.
sample.
the data on the side, and the temperature field was analyzed by the relevant data analysis software,
such Figure
as Infrec
11 Analyzer,
illustrates as shown
that in Figure
the coating 10.
significantly changed the temperature field inside the sample.
Sample without coating
Sample with coating 0 1 2 3 4 5
66
Specifically, the cool coating had a cooling58effect of more13.8than 12 ◦ C within 5 cm below the surface.
13.68 13.8
65 The highest temperature 57
In addition,
0
we still found that the change
Temperature （℃of） the temperature
0
13.6 field Ahad a certain regularity.
Temperature（13.6
℃） First,
64 56 63.82 53.72
13.4 13.4
Figure 11a shows that the highest temperature point inside the sample was not at the surface but
（cm）effect（℃）

63 55
Temperature （℃ ）
Temperature （℃ ）

13.2 63.37 13.2 53.16

at a certain
1
62
distance below the surface, regardless 54
of whether
1 the coating was applied. The cool
13.0
62.93
B 13.0
52.60
coating changed
61
the temperature and depth 53
of the hottest
12.8
point. The cool coating not only reduced 12.8
C
212.6 ◦ C but also deepened the corresponding
Depth（cm）

62.48 52.04
the maximum
2 temperature of the asphalt concrete by 13.12
Cooling

60 The highest temperature 52 12.6

position 59by 1.24 cm. This means that the cool51 coating was important 12.4 for relieving the high-temperature
62.03 12.4 51.48
Depth

3 312.2 12.2
softening58 problem of asphalt pavements in summer. 50 Second, the cooling effect in Figure 11b shows the
61.59
0.2
50.92

12.0 12.0
57 49
temperature difference (∆t) between the coated and uncoated samples at the same position. It11.8is not
61.14 1 50.36
4 411.8
56 48
difficult to see
0 that1 the cooling2 3 effect4 of the
5 coating increased first 0 with 1 increasing
260.70
3 depth,
4 followed
5 by a 49.80

large peak (13.68 ◦ C). Depth（cm）

Subsequently, the cooling effect was gradually Depth（cm）
reduced.
60.25 However, the cooling 49.24
5 5

effect suddenly appeared (a) with two peaks at approximately 4 cm, which was (b) due to the unevenness
caused by the large pores inside the sample. However, this accidental error did not change the tendency
of the cooling effect to gradually (a) decrease. In general, the cool coating had a(b) good cooling effect within
5 cm below the surface of the asphalt concrete pavement, and this effect
Figure 10. Temperature fields of samples inside an (a) uncoated sample and a (b) coated sample.
showed a tendency to decrease
slightly after the increase.
Sample without coating
Sample with coating 0 1 2 3 4 5
66 58
13.8 13.68 13.8
65 The highest temperature 57
13.6 A 13.6
64 56
13.4 13.4
Cooling effect（℃）

63 55
Temperature （℃ ）
Temperature （℃ ）

13.2 13.2
62 54 13.0 B 13.0

61 53 12.8 12.8
C
60 The highest temperature 52 12.6 12.6

59 51 12.4 12.4

12.2 12.2
58 50
0.2
12.0 12.0
57 49 1
11.8 11.8
56 48
0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5
Depth（cm） Depth（cm）

(a) (b)
Figure 11. Analysis of internal temperature data. (a) Internal temperature changes of the coated and
uncoated samples; (b) cooling effect of the TLCC.
Materials 2019, 12, 1903 11 of 13

5. Conclusions and Outlook

In this paper, a novel cool coating (TLCC) was prepared that comprises three different structural
layers: a reflecting layer, an emitting layer, and a thermal insulation layer. Then, we independently
designed a CEED (cooling effect evaluation device) and a corresponding method for coatings, which
were used to investigate the effect of each structural layer on the cooling effect and determine the
content of various materials. Finally, we investigated the effect of this novel coating on the internal
temperature field of asphalt concrete samples and studied the cooling effect of the coating inside the
sample. According to the analysis of this article, the following results are obtained:

• We developed a CEED that can regulate various environmental parameters, including atmospheric
temperature, humidity, and radiation intensity. This device improves the accuracy of the test
results. At the same time, we proposed a corresponding design method, which includes the
following four steps: Setting the environmental parameters, such as air temperature; checking the
environmental parameters using a weather station; testing the cooling effect of the coating using
temperature recorders and an infrared camera; and evaluating the cooling effect of the coating.
This device and method take into account the environmental factors that influence the cooling
effect of the coating and provide a reference for the accurate testing of the coating.
• Using the above device, we investigated the effects of different structural layers in the coating.
The reflective layer is the main factor producing the coating cooling effect. On this basis, the
addition of the emissive layer and the thermal insulation layer can improve the cooling effect of
the coating. The reflective coating is capable of cooling the sample surface by 8.18 ◦ C compared
to the uncoated sample. The addition of the emissive layer can increase the cooling effect of the
coating to 11.1 ◦ C. The bottom thermal insulation layer can prevent heat from passing downward,
which also increases the cooling effect to 13.25 ◦ C. This information provides a reference to further
optimize the structure of the coating.
• In the above coating structure, the contents of key materials are determined. The contents of
titanium dioxide, carbon black, silicon dioxide, and hollow glass microspheres are 13.5%, 0.6%,
18%, and 17.5%, respectively.
• We analyzed the temperature field inside the samples with and without the cool coating (TLCC).
We drew the following three conclusions: First, the cooling effect exceeds 12 ◦ C regardless of any
depth of the asphalt mixture sample (thickness of 5 cm); second, TLCC can reduce the maximum
temperature inside the asphalt pavement (13.12 ◦ C) and lower the maximum temperature’s
corresponding position (1.24 cm); third, the cooling effect shows a tendency to increase first
and then decrease slowly with an increase in depth. In general, this cool coating of the TLCC
significantly changes the temperature field of the asphalt pavement.

This paper provides a reference for the structural optimization of the coating and a better cooling
effect. At the same time, this study provides a more accurate and effective technical means for
evaluating the cooling effect of the coating compared with other techniques. This study contributes to
the reduction of road distresses, such as ruts, and the development of sustainable asphalt pavement.
For future research, we propose the following suggestions:

• First, modify materials or find alternative new nanomaterials to develop

high-performance coatings.
• Second, carry out finite element simulations and establish the temperature field inside the
pavement to study the influence of relevant factors on the cooling effect of the coating, including
solar radiation, temperature, and humidity.
• Third, it is necessary to establish a temperature field prediction model for asphalt pavement
with a paved coating; the current temperature field prediction model is based on atmospheric
temperature and solar radiation and does not consider whether the asphalt pavement surface
is coated.
Materials 2019, 12, 1903 12 of 13

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, Y.C. and K.H.; methodology, Y.C.; formal analysis, K.H.; investigation,
Y.C.; data curation, Y.C.; writing—original draft preparation, Y.C.; writing—review and editing, Y.C. and K.H.;
software, S.C.; visualization, S.C.; supervision, K.H.; funding acquisition, K.H.
Funding: This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51608045)
and the Foundation for Distinguished Young Talents of Henan University of Technology (No. 2017BS035 and
No. 2018QNJH09).
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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