| The chemical compositions and physical properties of straight and polymer modified asphalts were studied using gel permeation chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermal mechanical analysis, bending beam rheometry, rotational viscometry, and differential scanning calorimetry.;It was concluded that the combination of chromatography and infrared spectroscopy is an excellent tool for fingerprinting and quality control of polymers and asphalt binders. The rheological properties of an asphalt binder were good indices for determining the optimum polymer concentrations for effective modifications. The calorimetry results indicated that different asphalt grades have different levels of polar associations as detected from changes in enthalpy. Thermal mechanical analysis was a fast method for determining the highest possible service temperature of the pavement. All of the experimental work, also suggested that polymer modification reduces the aging process that occurs during the processing and service-life of an asphalt pavement. |
