Development of Rubber and Asphalt Binders by Depolymerization and Devulcanization of Scrap Tires in Asphalt

Abstract

Scrap tires in three forms—crumb rubber 60 minus mesh, crumb rubber 20 minus mesh, and buffed rubber—were subjected to depolymerization and devulcanization by applying heat, high shear, and a combination of both. Different reaction temperatures and times of reaction were applied. The reaction products were submitted to the testing of rheological properties by measurement of creep and recovery, viscosity, and some conventional tests. The amount of unreacted rubber and tendency to separation during the hot storage were also tested. Selected materials were evaluated according to SHRP specification and by the gel permeation chromatography. The results from the SHRP testing indicate that these materials are less temperature sensitive than conventional asphalts prepared from the same crude oil as the base asphalt. These materials were prepared in larger quantities and are being tested for their performance in paving mixes.