Preparation of polymer bitumen binder in the presence of a stabilizer

Abstract

This research investigates the improvement of asphalt binder performance by adding polymers, with a specific emphasis on the viscoelastic qualities that impact fatigue resistance. The main objective is to examine the impact of polymer alteration on asphalt binders under different temperatures, degrees of strain, and frequencies by using the linear amplitude sweep test. An elaborate technique was used to assess the complex modulus (G*), phase angle (δ), and crossover frequency of binders that were changed using poly(styrene‐co‐butadiene‐co‐styrene) (SBS), poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate), and crumb rubber. The experiments were carried out within a temperature range of 20–40°C, strain levels varying from 1% to 10%, and frequencies ranging from 0.1 to 10 Hz. The findings indicate that the complex modulus (G*) of SBS‐modified binders reduced from 9000 to 2800 Pa when the strain rose from 2% to 8% at a temperature of 30°C. The rheological index of the SBS‐modified binder was measured to be 0.6, suggesting a higher level of fatigue resistance. The results highlight the practical benefits of using polymer‐modified binders to increase the durability of asphalt pavements, especially in areas with heavy traffic and severe weather conditions.Highlights This research aims to investigate the protective characteristics of polymers. Styrene‐co‐butadiene‐co‐styrene has a capacity to decrease the production of carbonyls. The crumb rubber‐modified asphalt was followed by the ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate modified asphalt.