Preparation and characterization of asphalt-modified polyethylene blends

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-1993

Abstract

Eight asphalt samples from four manufacturers with grades from AC-10 to AC-30 were characterized by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Glass transition temperatures (TgS) and activation energies for the relaxation process of the asphalt were determined with DMA experiments. Polyethylene, a recyclable waste that is abundantly available either as virgin material not included in specifications or from solid waste classification processes, was slightly chlorinated to improve its compatibility with asphalt. High-density polyethylene (HDPE), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), and maleated polyethylene (MGPA)-modified asphalts were studied with DMA in both bending and shear modes. DSC, fluorescence reflection microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared were also employed to characterize the polymer-modified asphalts. Creep resistance and low-temperature crack resistance of the asphalt and the polymer-modified asphalts were evaluated. The results confirm that CPEs with low chlorine contents (< 15 weight percent) are more compatible with asphalt than is HDPE. Marked improvements in blend properties are also observed with MGPAs, provided that the degree of maleation does not exceed 3 percent.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Transportation Research Record

First Page

56

Last Page

64

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