Storage stability and compatibility of asphalt binder modified by SBS graft copolymer

The performance of styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) triblock copolymer modified asphalt binder at high temperature can be improved significantly with the addition of SBS-g-M grafted with vinyl monomer under γ-rays irradiation. The dynamic mechanical properties of SBS modify asphalts binder before and after graft has been characterized by use of dynamic shear rheometer. It has been found that the added content of SBS-g-M has great effect on the rheological properties of the binder and its high temperature performance was improved while its temperature susceptibility was reduced in compare with SBS modified asphalts binder. It also has been confirmed that the morphology observed by fluorescence microscopy revealed the compatibility between SBS-g-M and asphalt and the storage stability of binder was improved significantly compared with SBS modified asphalt binder. As a consequence, the use of SBS grafted with polar monomer can be considered a suitable alternative for modification of binder in pavement.