ABSTRACT:The vulcanization of asphalt/styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) triblock copolymer blends in the presence of elemental sulfur was followed with a strain-controlled rheometer. The vulcanization of the blends took place at temperatures greater than 140°C. From 150 to 180°C, the curing rate of the blends increased significantly with increasing temperature, and the apparent activation energy of vulcanization was 45.2 kJ mol Ϫ1 . A suitable processing temperature for good mechanical and thermally stable properties was between 170 and 180°C. Both the structure of SBS and the sulfur level had important effects on the vulcanization of the blends. A plot of the electric current versus time showed the process of the dynamic vulcanization of the blends.

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