The Physical Properties and Photostability of Bitumen with Different Ultraviolet Absorbers

Abstract

Effects of different ultraviolet (UV) absorbers (octabenzone and bumetrizole) on physical properties and photostability of bitumen were investigated. Thin-layer chromatography with flame ionization detection was applied to analyze the likely mechanism of UV absorber on chemical transformation and ageing properties of bitumen. Results indicate that ductility of bitumen is significantly enhanced by addition of small amount of UV absorbers, especially for the addition of octabenzone, which is mainly attributed to the increase of aromatics content of bitumen. The influence of UV absorbers on photostability of bitumen is dependent on the origin of bitumen and type of UV absorber. Bitumen from different origins shows specific selectivity for different UV absorbers.

Keywords:

• ageing
• bitumen
• photostability
• physical properties
• ultraviolet absorber