Influence of polymer types on bitumen engineering properties

Abstract

In order to achievement new engineering properties, bitumen is mixed with polymers, thereby obtained blends that can have different physical or chemical structures, depending on the composition of the added polymer. The addition of polymers influences the rheological properties of polymer modified bitumens (PMBs), resistance to permanent deformation, PMBs stability under stress and temperature. Along theses lines, the PMBs blends with non-reactive polymers, elastomer styrene–butadiene–styrene with linear and radial structure, thermoplastic polymer ethylene-vinyl acetate and reactive polymer ethylene–butylacrylate–glycidylmethacrylate (Elvaloy), were prepared. Their rheological properties are characterised using dynamic shear rheometer, over wide ranges of temperatures at a fixed traffic frequency of 10 rad s⁻¹ both before and after thermooxidative aging. The aim was to established the influence of the polymer type on the bitumen engineering properties and evaluation of the polymer modifier effectiveness.

Keywords:

• Polymer modifier
• BIT
• PMB
• Engineering properties
• Permanent deformation

Acknowledgement

The financial support of the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports of the Republic of Croatia (grants no. 125-125-2971-2578) is acknowledged.