Performance of epoxy asphalt binder containing warm-mix asphalt additive

Sasobit has been widely applied as warm-mix asphalt (WMA) additive in an environment friendly and energy saving pavement construction. Epoxy asphalt (EA) has been extensively used on the pavement of steel bridge decks. In the present paper, Sasobit was introduced into warm-mix epoxy asphalt binder (WEAB) to prepare Sasobit modified WEAB. The effect of Sasobit on the viscosity, thermal, damping and mechanical properties and morphology of the neat WEAB were investigated using various characterisation techniques. Sasobit significantly lowered the viscosity of the neat WEAB and prolonged the operational lifetime for mixture pavement. Sasobit lowered the glass transition temperature of the neat WEAB. Sasobit slightly decreases the damping properties and thermal stability of the neat WEAB. However, Sasobit increased the tensile strength of the neat WEAB. The crystalline network structures of Sasobit formed in asphalts were clearly observed. The lamellar crystalline structure of Sasobit turned to gel-like structure in curly ribbon shape with an increase of the WMA additive contents. Reaction-induced phase separation occurred in the neat WEAB and Sasobit modified WEABs. No crystalline network structures of Sasobit were observed in the dispersed asphalt phase of the modified WEABs. Sasobit decreased the size of asphalt particles in the continuous epoxy phase.

Automated summary

Sasobit has been widely used as a WMA additive in environmentally friendly pavement construction. When incorporated into WEAB, Sasobit improves viscosity, extends operational lifetime, and enhances tensile strength. However, it may slightly reduce damping properties and thermal stability.