Crumb rubber modifier (CRM) is considered one of the most commonly used modifiers that enhances the rheological properties of asphalt binders. Optimizing the interaction process between CRM and asphalt binder to enhance the asphalt binder’s elasticity without additional additives is the main purpose of the article. Rheological and Nano properties were measured in this article for neat asphalt and crumb rubber modified asphalt (CRMA) binders. One interaction temperature (190 °C), one interaction speed (50 Hz), and different interaction times (0.5-, 1-, 2-, 4-, and 8-hr) were used. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed on CRM particles before and after their interaction with asphalt binder after different interaction times. The CRMA binders that interacted for the entire 4-hr and/or 8-hr interaction times had significantly enhanced properties especially the elasticity, as compared to the neat asphalt binder. The highest Young’s modulus and adhesion force values for CRMA binders were obtained for samples that interacted at 190°C and 50 Hz for 4-hr and/or 8-hr showing the highest CRM dissolution percentage by the dissolution and TGA testing. At these interaction conditions, more CRM components were released into the asphalt binder liquid phase, which were detected by observing Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) peaks at 966 cm -1 for polypropylene (PB) and 699 cm -1 for polystyrene (PS).
- Asphalt Binders
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