Investigation on the short-term aging-resistance of thermoplastic Polyurethane-modified asphalt binders

Abstract

In this reported work, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was used as a reactive polymer modifying agent to prepare a modified-asphalt, using a high-speed shearing method. Physical performance tests of the TPU-modified asphalt were conducted before and after short-term aging, and the aging resistance was examined by the change in materials properties. In addition, low-temperature rheological properties, thermal properties, the high-temperature storage stability, and the aging mechanism of TPU-modified asphalt were also investigated. The results showed that the addition of TPU improved the aging resistance of base asphalt, which was evidenced by the increased penetration ratio and decreased softening point of the asphalt, after aging. Similarly, Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results verified that TPU improved the asphalt aging resistance. It was found that the TPU functional groups played a role in improving thermal properties, high-temperature storage stability, and in the dispersion of modified asphalt.