Effects of poly-sulfide regenerant on the rejuvenated performance of SBS modified asphalt-binder

ABSTRACT

Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) block copolymer modified asphalt-binder (SBSMA) is one of the commonly used asphalt-binders in the upper layers of asphalt pavements. Continuous environmental exposure along with the combined effects of traffic loading during the pavement’s service life means high susceptibility to aging and degradation over time. Exploration of innovative methods to enhance the resilience of SBSMAs and improve the overall performance of asphalt pavements is thus inevitable. This study investigated the rejuvenation effects of poly-sulfide on aged SBSMA using molecular dynamic simulations and laboratory experimentation including the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests for evaluating the rheological properties and chemical compositions, respectively. In the study, the following parametric properties were determined and quantified, namely the diffusion coefficient, viscosity, solubility, and rutting factor of SBSMA. The corresponding results exhibited higher diffusion coefficient for the rejuvenated SBSMA over SBS and the asphalt-binder components. Overall, the study findings indicated that poly-sulfide, at dosages less than 8.0wt%, can potentially rejuvenate aged SBSMA and enhance its rheological properties. Additionally, the simulated results were found to be comparable to the laboratory test results.

KEYWORDS:

• SBSMA
• diffusion mechanism
• molecular dynamic simulation
• rheological properties
• chemical composition

Acknowledgments

Special thanks also go to all those individuals who assisted during this research study including the writeup of this paper. The contents of this paper, which is not a standard nor a design/bidding document, reflect the views of the authors who are solely responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein and do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of any institution. Trade names were used solely for information purposes and not for product endorsement, advertisement, or certification.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

T: temperature; R&B: ring and ball.

T: temperature; R&B: ring and ball.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 52008235), the Science and Technology Project of Shanxi Transportation Holdings Group Co., Ltd (No. 20-JKKJ-43), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No. 2242019R20012), and Postdoctoral International Exchange Program.