Moisture Susceptibility and Stripping Resistance of Asphalt Mixtures Modified with Different Synthetic Waxes

Abstract

Wax modification of asphalt binders represents an actual resource in warm-mix asphalt technology. Despite its benefits in reducing plant temperatures and atmospheric emissions, the presence of wax can be associated with side effects on the quality and durability of asphalt pavements. A simple procedure to evaluate the influence of wax on asphalt stripping resistance and moisture susceptibility is proposed. An unmodified asphalt binder was blended with waxes having different chemical structures (paraffinic and polyamidic); wax-modified asphalt mixtures were then prepared with various aggregate types. Moisture sensitivity was initially studied using conventional methods, such as indirect tensile strength measured after water conditioning. The stripping resistance of bitumen-coated aggregates was then quantitatively evaluated by identifying the stripped surface with a digital image analysis method. In contrast with expectations, results indicated that enhanced performances can be obtained in the presence of wax-modified asphalts. However, the type of wax was found to be decisive. In the same way, results of contact angle and adhesion measurements performed on bitumen–wax blends indicated that changes in asphalt–water affinity occur according to the type and content of wax.