Selecting the Best Performing Modified Asphalt Based on Rheological Properties and Microscopic Analysis of RPP/SBS Modified Asphalt

Abstract

As an asphalt modifier, waste polypropylene (RPP) can not only optimize the performance of asphalt but also greatly alleviate the problem of waste plastic treatment, effectively reducing environmental pollution and resource waste. In order to evaluate the influence of RPP and styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) on asphalt performance, the application of RPP in modified asphalt pavement has been expanded. In this study, a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), bending beam rheometer (BBR) and other instruments were used to evaluate the rheological properties of composite-modified asphalt. Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and fluorescence microscopy (FM) was employed to conduct a microscopic analysis of the modified asphalt, and the layer analysis method was adopted to determine the optimal RPP content. The test results show that the rheological properties of asphalt are significantly improved by the composite modification of RPP and SBS. In addition, the cross-linking between polymer and asphalt is further enhanced by the composite addition of RPP and SBS. The comprehensive performance of modified asphalt is optimized at the RPP content of 2%, which is suitable for applications in the cold temperate zone. The RPP/SBS composite-modified asphalt is able to improve the utilization rate of RPP and has good environmental and economic benefits, thus exhibiting excellent comprehensive performance. However, the optimal asphalt content in the mixture was not investigated, and the economic benefits brought by the utilization of RPP were not evaluated and require further study.