Preparation and properties of high viscosity modified asphalt

High viscosity modified (HVM) asphalt was prepared by the addition of styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS), plasticizer, crosslinker. The effect and proportion of each modifier in the preparation of HVM asphalt were studied. SBS was the major modifier and determined the basic properties of HVM asphalt. Plasticizer (furfural exact oil) and crosslinker (sulfur) as additional modifiers were necessary in improving the workability, stability, and aging resistance of modifier. The effect of aging and additional modifiers on the structure and rheological behavior of SBS modified (SM) asphalt was displayed by adopting various rheological tests. Plasticizer declined the rutting resistance of SM asphalt and increased the viscous behavior of SM asphalt after aging. The use of crosslinker led to the formation of polymer network and improved the aging resistance of SM asphalt. The morphology observation shows crosslinker led to the formation of polymer network and improved the compatibility between SBS and asphalt. Plasticizer prompted the swelling and dispersion of SBS in asphalt and improved the effect of crosslinker further. Aging destroyed the polymer phase seriously and there was still residual polymer phase in asphalt. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:936–946, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers