Mechanism of Multi-Stage Degradation in Hot Bitumen of Micronized Powder Elastomeric Modifiers from Worn-Out Tire’s Rubber

Abstract

For the first time, by atomic force microscopy (AFM) methods, micro- and nanofragments of micronized powder elastomeric modifier (PEM) formed at the short-term (3 min at 160 °C) interaction of PEM with hot bitumen have been demonstrated. It is the technology of high-temperature shear-induced grinding of a worn-out tire’s crumb rubber or its co-grinding with styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) block copolymer which provides the creation of the PEM structure inclined to rapid degradation in hot bitumen. The formation just after the preparation process of a new structure of a modified binder, more resistant to external effects, is supported by the data of rheological tests. Performance tests for a modified binder using Superpave standard adopted by the road industry for bituminous binders showed an extended temperature range, resistance to rutting, and low-temperature and fatigue cracking. The better resistance to low-temperature and fatigue cracking is certainly related to energy absorption and crack growth stopping in the presence of micron and submicron resilient PEM fragments in accordance with the mechanism of increasing impact toughness in plastics.

Ground Tire Rubber Particles as Substitute for Calcium Carbonate in an EPDM Sealing Compound

“…The density reduction is already a significant and important benefit that helps to reduce the rolling resistance and therefore increase the mileage. As dispersion measurements of GTR in the rubber matrix are not feasible with methods to determine the dispersion of other fillers such as carbon black or silica, other methods such as indentation or atomic force microscopy may be useful to obtain a better insight [35,36].…”

Development of Pavement Material Using Crumb Rubber Modifier and Graphite Nanoplatelet for Pellet Asphalt Production

“…Crumb Rubber Modifier (CRM) is a general term for rubber powder of waste tires. CRM asphalt was initially used for crack patching called Band-Aid, and it was applied to the chip-seal method while mechanized spraying was possible and used for repairing cracked roads [ 25 , 26 ]. The advantages of CRM asphalt are its high strength, resistance to plastic deformation, reducing environmental pollution problems [ 27 , 28 ].…”