Aging resistance of asphalt binders through the use of zinc diethyldithiocarbamate

Abstract

Aging can significantly reduce the durability of binders used in asphalt pavements and can consequently impose long-term maintenance cost to the owners. Antioxidants are additives that can be used to hinder oxidation and hardening of petroleum asphalt binders. In this study, the effect of zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZnDEC) as an antioxidant on chemical and rheological features of the binder were evaluated and monitored during laboratory aging process. The results indicated that not only ZnDEC can retard the aging process, but it also improves the low- and mid-temperatures cracking resistance without negatively affecting the rutting performance of the binder.