Effects of nanoclay and nanocomposites on bitumen rheological properties

•SBS modified bitumen prepared in the laboratory presented phase separation.•Cloisite nanoclay improves storage stability of SBS modified bitumen.•The additives improve the resistance to rutting and elasticity of the bitumen.•SBS/nanoclays support a Standard traffic. Nanoclays have been successfully introduced into the asphalt, either separated or in the form of polymer/bitumen blends, improving mechanical and rheological properties. In this paper, the organoclay montmorillonite (OMMT) was prepared to be used as an additive for bitumen and for a polymer modified bitumen. A nanoclay Cloisite® 20Å (CLO), was also investigated for comparison purposes. A bitumen was modified with 4% nanoclays (OMMT and CLO), with 4% SBS, and with 4% SBS/nanoclay. All modified bitumens (MB) exhibited higher G∗ and lower δ, indicating an improvement in the stiffness and in the elasticity. SBS/Nanoclay MB presented similar rheological behavior compared to SBS MB which may result in cost savings. The addition of SBS and SBS/OMMT resulted in increase in PG grade and decrease in non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr) indicating a better rut resistant compared to pure bitumen.