scholarly journals Performance Modification of Asphalt Binders using Thermoplastic Polymers

2004 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. I. Al-Abdul Wahhab ◽  
I. Abaker

There is a need to improve the performance of asphalt binders to minimize stress cracking that occurs at low temperatures and plastic deformation at high temperatures. Importation of used asphalt-polymers from abroad, leads to an increase in the total construction cost as compared to the cost if the used polymers were of local origin. The main objective of this research was to modify locally produced asphalt. Ten polymers were identified as potential asphalt modifiers based on their physical properties and chemical composition. After preliminary laboratory evaluation for the melting point of these polymers, five polymers were selected for local asphalt modification. In the initial stage, required mixing time was decided based on the relation between shear loss modulus and mixing time .The optimum polymer content was selected based on Superpave binder performance grade specifications.The suitability of improvement was verified through the evaluation of permanent deformation and fatigue behavior of laboratory prepared asphalt concrete mixes. The results indicated that the rheological properties of the modified binders improved significantly with sufficient polymer content (3%). The aging properties of the modified binders were found to be dependent on the type of polymer.The fatigue life and resistance to permanent deformation were significantly improved due to enhanced binder rheological properties.  Thus, local asphalts can be modified using thermoplastic polymers. 

2021 ◽  
pp. 089270572110064
Author(s):  
Rezvan Babagoli ◽  
Farhang Jalali ◽  
Mohammad Khabooshani

The performance properties of asphalt binders and mixtures can be enhanced utilizing several modifiers, including; Poly Phosphoric Acid (PPA), Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) modifiers, and Styrene–Butadiene Rubber (SBR). The current study evaluated the effect of PPA and WMA contents on rheological behavior of SBR modified binders and SMA mixtures. The modified binders were subjected to rotational viscosity, Dynamic Shear Rheometer, and Bending Beam Rheometer, Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR), and Linear Amplitude Sweep (LAS) tests. The SBR/PPA and SBR/PPA/WMA modified mixtures were subjected to Indirect tensile strength (ITS), dynamic creep, resilient modulus ( Mr), wheel track, and four-point beam fatigue (FPB) tests. To analyze the data, two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was investigated. Based on the results of the MSCR test at both stress levels, modification of base bitumen by SBR, PPA and WMA additives causes an enhance in permanent deformation performance of original bitumen. LAS test results indicated that, utilization of SBR and WMA additives improves the fatigue life of bitumen. Also, by addition of PPA, the fatigue life of SBR modified binders increases. whereas, the fatigue lives are higher than original binders ones. Based on results, utilization of SBR and PPA enhances the Mr, rutting properties, ITS, FE, and fatigue behavior of specimens. By increasing the PPA percentage, the rutting and fatigue behavior enhances. Whereas, it causes a decreases in Mr and ITS of modified mixtures. Among warm additives, sasobit has better effect on enhancing the performance of binders and mixtures.


2014 ◽  
Vol 599 ◽  
pp. 244-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qun Shan Ye ◽  
Chang Jian Ye ◽  
Zhi Lin Sun

Viscosity test, dynamic shear test, dynamic modulus test and creep test were conducted to investigate the rheological properties of high modulus asphalt and its mixture. Test results indicated that the viscosity of hard grade asphalt could be increased when compared with the ordinary asphalt, especially at high temperatures. The complex shear modulus and dynamic modulus of hard-grade asphalt binder and its mixture were increased, which implied that the stiffness of them was enhanced. Furthermore, the elastically portions for viscoelastic property of asphalt binders were increased, which resulted in the reduction of phase angle for hard grade asphalt binders and mixtures. The rutting parameter for hard-grade asphalt mixture was increased remarkably, which revealed that the resistance to permanent deformation could be significantly improved for hard grade asphalt mixture.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (18) ◽  
pp. 10271
Author(s):  
Yuchen Guo ◽  
Xuancang Wang ◽  
Guanyu Ji ◽  
Yi Zhang ◽  
Hao Su ◽  
...  

The deteriorating ecological environment and the concept of sustainable development have highlighted the importance of waste reuse. This article investigates the performance changes resulting from the incorporation of shellac into asphalt binders. Seashell powder-modified asphalt was prepared with 5%, 10%, and 15% admixture using the high-speed shear method. The microstructure of the seashell powder was observed by scanning electron microscope test (SEM); the physical-phase analysis of the seashell powder was carried out using an X-ray diffraction (XRD) test; the surface characteristics and pore structure of shellac were analyzed by the specific surface area Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) test; and Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) qualitatively analyzed the composition and changes of functional groups of seashell powder-modified asphalt. The conventional performance index of seashell powder asphalt was analyzed by penetration, softening point, and ductility (5 °C) tests; the effect of seashell powder on asphalt binder was studied using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR) at high and low temperatures, respectively. The results indicate the following: seashell powder is a coarse, porous, and angular CaCO3 bio-material; seashell powder and the asphalt binder represent a stable physical mixture of modified properties; seashell powder improves the consistency, hardness, and high-temperature performance of the asphalt binder but weakens the low-temperature performance of it; seashell powder enhances the elasticity, recovery performance, and permanent deformation resistance of asphalt binders and improves high-temperature rheological properties; finally, seashell powder has a minimal effect on the crack resistance of asphalt binders at very low temperatures. In summary, the use of waste seashells for recycling as bio-modifiers for asphalt binders is a practical approach.


Author(s):  
Mohammad Hossain ◽  
A. S. M. Atiqur Rahim Khan ◽  
Hasan Faisal ◽  
Rafiqul Tarefder

Past studies have shown that vapor conditioning to 100% Relative Humidity (RH) reduces the fatigue life of viscoelastic materials such as asphalt binder. However, it is not known how partial vapor conditions such as RH 25%, 49%, and 71% affect asphalt binder’s fatigue behavior. In addition, it is unknown which viscoelastic material parameter (i.e. viscus or elastic parameter) is responsible for damage in asphalt binder or Asphalt Concrete (AC) in general and what steps can be taken to reduce fatigue damage. In this study, films of asphalt binders were prepared and partially vapor-conditioned in enclosed chambers containing potassium acetate (25% RH), potassium carbonate (49% RH), and sodium chloride solutions (71% RH). Creep nanoindentation tests were performed on the vapor-conditioned asphalt film samples. The nano-creep test data are fitted using Burgers models. The Burgers model shows that elasticity increases and viscosity decreases as RH% increases. To this end, a Finite Element Method (FEM) model is developed in ABAQUS to examine the fatigue performance of the asphalt binder at 49% vapor-conditioned only. Using the spring and dashpot elements of Burgers model as FEM inputs, simulations are run. Results indicate that an increase in binder viscosity would reduce permanent deformation in the viscoelastic material.


Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 2532
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Kołodziej ◽  
Lesław Bichajło ◽  
Tomasz Siwowski

The application of various modifiers has emerged in recent years to improve conventional petroleum-based bitumen properties. The natural asphalt called Trinidad Lake Asphalt (TLA) has been applied very often due to its consistent properties, high viscosity and density, and superior rheological properties, and effective blending with other bitumen. However, most studies on TLA-modified binders always focused on physical and rheological properties in the original (unaged) condition, but the details about aging properties are often neglected. This study aimed to investigate the effect of short-term aging on the physical and rheological characteristics of the 35/50 base bitumen modified by the addition of two different TLA contents. The conventional physical tests and dynamic shear rheological tests were undertaken before and after aging to measure the penetration and softening point, complex shear modulus, and phase angle of the modified binders, as well as to calculate the zero shear viscosity using the Cross model fitting procedure. Based on the results of the above-mentioned comprehensive testing, the effect of aging on TLA-modified binder properties was evaluated using aging indices, as well as a direct comparison of results. The tests revealed that the short-term aging of TLA-modified binders did not worsen or reduce the pavement resistance to permanent deformation or the load-bearing capacity of the asphalt mixture.


2012 ◽  
Vol 509 ◽  
pp. 136-141
Author(s):  
Zhi Fei Liu ◽  
Jia Ping Liu ◽  
Jin Xiang Hong ◽  
Chong Huang

Research in the laboratory was carried out to determine if addition of warm mix asphalt additive (Sasobit) has potential to reduce the temperature comparison with control mix. To fulfill this purpose five types of asphalt binders have been produced with a Sasobit additive in concentration range from 0 to 10% by weight of the asphalt. Viscosity test and dynamic shear rheometer test are conducted for the investigation of effects of Sasobit on rheological properties characteristics of binders. Viscosity tests on binders indicated that the Sasobit binders had significantly lower viscosities compared to control binders at the temperature above 100°C, indicating that Sasobit can reduce the mixing and compaction temperatures above the melting point of Sasobit. Sasobit modified binders are more sensitive cracking and had more excellent rutting resistance properties at service temperatures compared with original bitumen. Based on the test results, the suggest content of Sasobit addition is 3% by weight.


Author(s):  
Huachun Zhai ◽  
Hussain U. Bahia ◽  
Signe Erickson

In the current Superpave® binder tests, the rheological properties of asphalt binders are determined by the dynamic shear rheometer. The asphalt binders are tested using a gap size of either 1 or 2 mm. In the asphalt mixture, the thickness of the asphalt film between aggregates can vary between a few microns and a few millimeters. Because of the interaction between the asphalt and the aggregate, rheological behavior in thin films can differ from the behavior determined at large gap sizes. In this study the rheological properties of asphalt binders were measured at different gap sizes that simulate the range in film thickness of a typical mixture. Significant changes in rheological properties were observed as the gap size changed. The results indicate that different modified binders show different trends as the gap size changes. A review of the literature was conducted for an explanation of this behavior. Four mechanisms were offered to explain similar gap effects observed for other materials. Using the data collected in this study, the disentanglement mechanism caused by adhesion to testing plates appears to fit the observations for asphalt binders. The results suggest that the current gap settings in the binder tests might not be sufficient to determine the performance of the binder in the mixture. The findings also suggest that more work is required to understand the effect on the rheological behavior of asphalt binders of physical and chemical interactions with aggregates.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2631 (1) ◽  
pp. 144-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin F. Bowers ◽  
Stacey D. Diefenderfer ◽  
Brian K. Diefenderfer

Reflective cracking in asphalt overlays placed over jointed concrete pavements is of major concern in Virginia, as well as nationally, and has generated interest in various reflective crack mitigation techniques that are easy to implement. One technique is the use of binder modifiers, such as asphalt rubber, polymer-modified asphalt binders, or high polymer–content (HP) modified binders. In the summer of 2014, the Virginia Department of Transportation placed an HP asphalt mixture produced by using an asphalt binder that contained approximately 7.5% styrene-butadiene-styrene polymer in a trial section within a subdivision as a low-risk means to assess constructability and laboratory performance. The HP mixture was evaluated in comparison with a typical surface asphalt mixture with a 9.5-mm nominal maximum aggregate size, as a control. Testing was performed on specimens fabricated from reheated control and HP mixture samples, as well as on specimens fabricated from site-compacted samples and road cores of the HP mixture. In addition, binder grading was performed on the control binder and modified binder. The HP binder was significantly more elastic than the control binder. Comparable dynamic moduli were found for reheated mixture specimens, although site-compacted and road core specimens from the HP mixture had lower stiffness than the control mixture. The HP mixture performed better in rutting and in fatigue. The Texas overlay test indicated similar crack resistance between the two mixtures; however, measured loads of the HP specimens were nearly half those of the control specimens. The results of laboratory testing indicated that the mixture incorporating the HP binder should have a far greater fatigue life and rut resistance than the control mixture.


2021 ◽  
pp. 096739112110012
Author(s):  
Qingsen Gao ◽  
Jingguang Liu ◽  
Xianhu Liu

The effect of annealing on the electrical and rheological properties of polymer (poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS)) composites filled with carbon black (CB) was investigated. For a composite with CB content near the electrical percolation threshold, the formation of conductive pathways during annealing has a significant impact on electrical conductivity, complex viscosity, storage modulus and loss modulus. For the annealed samples, a reduction in the electrical and rheological percolation threshold was observed. Moreover, a simple model is proposed to explain these behaviors. This finding emphasizes the differences in network formation with respect to electrical or rheological properties as both properties belong to different physical origins.


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